Written by Isaiah Banda
With nature’s calendar marking the start of spring this month, and the first drizzle of rain—about 15mm already — it’s clear we’ve officially entered a new season.
The changes may be subtle, but they are definitely present. With the promise of new vegetation and water on the horizon, an abundance of game has emerged.
The sunsets and sunrises are bathing the reserve in golden hues, creating a breathtaking spectacle that’s a favourite this time of year. And let’s not forget the returning migratory birds—exciting times are ahead! I can’t wait for these moments to arrive so we can share them with our guests.
Driving through Mabula Game Reserve and observing herds of animals—impalas, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and sables, to name a few—highlights their constant balancing act between feeding, socializing, and evading predators. Their eyes and ears are always on alert, scanning for potential threats, whether it’s a stalking leopard or a sudden rush from a lion. This daily reality keeps prey animals in a state of perpetual vigilance, where fear and anxiety are essential for survival.
We are all excited about the reintroduction of Blesbok to the reserve after nearly two years without them. The reserve management division has successfully brought Blesbok back, and they are thriving, providing wonderful sightings for our guests and guides. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the reserve management division for this fantastic initiative!
Observing their behaviour during changing weather patterns, such as wind and rain, highlights how much environmental factors amplify their anxiety. On windy days, when their hearing and sense of smell are compromised, impalas and wildebeest become noticeably more skittish.
Giraffes tend to stay closer to thickets, while zebras react nervously to even the slightest movements. It’s as if, when their natural senses are impaired, they feel exposed, vulnerable, and anxious. But how do these animals experience fear and anxiety? And how does their experience differ from that of humans?
For prey species at Mabula, fear is a natural and essential aspect of their existence. Unlike humans, who experience fear through a range of emotions like anticipation, dread, and worry, animals respond directly to stimuli with a physiological reaction aimed at maximizing survival. For impalas, wildebeest, and other herbivores, fear is triggered by the presence or scent of a predator, an unusual sound, or a change in the wind.
The fear response in both humans and animals is linked to the brain’s threat-detection systems, particularly the amygdala, which plays a key role in processing emotional signals. When danger is perceived, the amygdala activates, preparing the body for immediate action. Both humans and animals experience rapid physiological changes similar to the “fight or flight” response.
Every day on safari, we learn so much just by observing these animals and their behaviour. When danger is detected, their heart rate increases, sending oxygen-rich blood to their muscles for quick movement. Their eyes sharpen, scanning for the threat, while their muscles prepare for a rapid response—either fleeing or freezing in place. Stress hormones like adrenaline flood their systems, enhancing their physical abilities to run at high speeds or evade predators.
These physiological responses ensure that prey animals are always prepared to react swiftly to any sign of danger. Unlike humans, who may dwell on fear-inducing experiences for hours or even days, prey species respond instinctively in the moment, with survival as their primary concern..
The weather significantly influences how prey species experience fear and anxiety. On calm days, when their senses of hearing and smell are keen, animals like impalas and zebras seem more at ease. They graze with their heads down, often in open areas, relying on their heightened senses to detect threats from a distance.
However, during windy or rainy weather, everything shifts. The wind can disperse scents, making it difficult for them to detect approaching predators. It also rustles leaves and grasses, obscuring the sounds of a predator’s approach. In these conditions, prey animals become much more anxious. They tend to gather in groups, often seeking refuge in denser thickets where they feel more secure, though also more confined.
I have also noticed that animals are noticeably more skittish around vehicles on windy days. The usual trust they exhibit around safari vehicles seems to waver, and they become more reactive, darting away at the slightest disturbance, especially with our vehicle’s rooftop cover, when it makes a noise from the wind animals tend to be skittish and move away. This heightened anxiety is a clear sign that prey species feel vulnerable when one of their key senses, hearing or smell is dulled by weather conditions.
The distinction between fear and anxiety in animals is an important one. Fear is the immediate response to a specific threat, such as a lion stalking its prey, while anxiety involves the anticipation of potential threats that may not be immediately present. For prey animals, fear is a direct, survival-driven reaction, whereas anxiety manifests as a more generalized state of heightened vigilance. It’s fascinating to observe how animals respond to these emotions compared to humans.
These pictures were taken on September 20, 2022, on Bottom Whole Owner Plain, where we spotted a herd of impalas staring intently in one direction, completely silent. I was surprised, as impalas usually alarm call nonstop when they see a predator. Just as we were about to leave, a male and female lion emerged from the tall grass. Nature is truly unpredictable!
During a relaxed afternoon safari with guests, we stumbled upon an exciting sighting of our pride, though one lioness was missing. In the vast, open grasslands of the bottom Serengeti Plain, the lions, with their bellies looking quite empty, were intently watching a herd of zebras in the distance toward the middle Serengeti Plain.
Just as it seemed a hunt was about to unfold, an unexpected visitor—a male impala—strolled through the scene, momentarily distracting the lions as he wandered between them and the zebras. Fortunately for the Impala, he was too far away to become a target. A few minutes later, the zebras suddenly bolted, startled by something unseen. Instead of chasing after them, the eldest lioness remained focused on the exact spot from which the zebras had fled.
Moments later, the entire pride sprang into action, charging across the grasslands toward the same spot. We made our way around Whole Owner Road to Marula Road to reach them. When we arrived, we found an intense scene unfolding: the pride had located the missing lioness with a zebra. The air was thick with tension as the lions fought among themselves, each vying for their share of the prize.
The stomach is typically the easiest entry point into a carcass, making it the most common route for lions. This approach provides direct access to some of the most nutritious parts of the body, such as the kidneys and liver. After their initial feeding, lions usually rest a short distance away from the carcass, allowing them to defend their kill against scavengers.
In humans, cognitive processes play a significant role in both fear and anxiety. We can reflect on past experiences, anticipate future dangers, and develop complex emotional responses to both real and imagined threats. This capacity to think beyond the present moment makes human anxiety more intricate and often more persistent than the anxiety experienced by animals.
These majestic creatures are renowned for their remarkable long-term memories, which allow them to remember vital information such as watering holes, migration routes, and food sources. Elephants can recognize familiar individuals even after years apart. This impressive memory is essential for their survival in the wild, and we see clear evidence of it here at Mabula daily, as they navigate to waterholes that are often unknown to us. They truly know every corner of this reserve.
Prey animals, in contrast, live in the moment. When an impala senses a predator, its response is purely instinctual. There’s no deliberation or worry about what might happen in the hours or days to come. The impala’s fear is immediate and completely centered on the present, and once the threat has passed, that fear quickly fades away.
In this sense, animal fear is almost purer than human fear, as it lacks the cognitive layers we add to our emotional responses. While humans may remain anxious long after a frightening event, animals quickly return to a state of calm once the danger has passed. Their fear serves a single purpose: to help them survive the immediate threat.
The physiological experience of fear in animals is intense yet fleeting. When an impala senses a predator or a zebra spots a lion lurking in the tall grass, their bodies are flooded with stress hormones, heightening their senses. They may freeze in place, listening intently for any sound, or they might suddenly take off, sprinting to safety.
Cheetahs are well adapted to dry and arid environments, evolving to require less water than other big cats. In the wild, they primarily obtain moisture from their prey, mainly small to medium-sized ungulates like impalas. However, when water is available, cheetahs will drink regularly to stay hydrated. While there isn’t a definitive frequency for how often they drink, it’s estimated that they may consume water every 3 to 4 days if it’s readily accessible.
During extreme heat or intense activity, such as hunting or mating, cheetahs may increase their water intake to prevent dehydration. We were fortunate to spot this male cheetah drinking at Segwagwa Dam one morning while out on safari with my guests.
Interestingly, animals don’t seem to cling to fear in the same way humans do. Once the danger has passed, they can quickly return to their normal behavior. This swift transition from fear to calm is crucial for their survival. If an animal remained anxious for hours or days after every predator sighting, it would be too distracted to feed, care for its young, or rest effectively.
In the wild, fear and anxiety are not merely abstract concepts; they are vital for the daily survival of prey species. These emotions keep animals vigilant, enabling them to evade predators and stay alive. However, constant anxiety would be detrimental, which is why they remain in the present moment, quickly returning to a state of calm once the danger has passed.
Even a large and formidable animal like a buffalo bull can become extremely scared if caught off guard while relaxing. Its first instinct is to run to an elevated point for safety, where it can regroup and strategize its response to the threat. However, this fear and anxiety are fleeting. After a few minutes or an hour, the buffalo returns to its normal state.
This stands in contrast to humans, who often linger in a state of heightened anxiety even after a threat has passed, worrying about the future. Animals, on the other hand, live on the edge, using fear as a survival tool without allowing it to dominate their lives. They offer us a valuable lesson in balance—using fear to protect themselves but not letting it control or consume them. Buffaloes, known for their immense size and strength, exhibit aggressive behavior when engaging in combat.
Male buffaloes, or bulls, often engage in fights for dominance within a herd or to establish mating rights with females. During these battles, they lock horns and participate in intense shoving matches, using their massive heads and powerful neck muscles to overpower one another. These confrontations can be extremely dangerous, as buffalo are capable of inflicting serious injuries on each other with their sharp horns.
Interestingly, despite the intensity of these clashes, they are typically non-fatal, serving mainly as a display of strength rather than an attempt to kill or seriously injure one another.
One of my favorite aspects of being on safari is the privilege of sharing unforgettable experiences with others. Witnessing people fall in love with the bush, just as I did, is incredibly powerful. Whether it’s a first-time guest experiencing the wilderness for the first time or a seasoned safari-goer capturing their dream shot, it’s a constant reminder of why I fell in love with this wild paradise. Their awe and wonder reignite my own passion for the bush. It’s a true privilege to share in the excitement of each sighting, reveling in the beauty and majesty of nature with others and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
In every shared moment, the magic lies in the diverse perspectives that come together, each adding a unique brushstroke to the vast, ever-changing canvas of the bush. The same moment, viewed through different eyes, becomes a richer, more vibrant experience. This magic is truly amplified by the opportunity to share it with others, as each person brings a new dimension to the safari. Whether it’s the awe of a first-time guest or the nuanced appreciation of a seasoned safari-goer, these shared experiences foster a deeper connection to the bush and to one another. This collective wonder and joy make every safari unforgettable, weaving a tapestry of memories cherished by all fortunate enough to witness it.
Until next time…
From Isaiah Banda & Mabula family.
Safari Greetings.
