There is one word that best describes the African bush in summer and that word is “lush”. It is a time of abundant greenery; trees heavy with young leaves, dense thickets of fresh undergrowth and swathes of thick grassland everywhere you look.
Natural pans that stood dry and cracked throughout the spring months are now brimming with fresh water, the vlei is carpeted in swaying grasses and every tree and shrub has responded with vigorous new growth. The air is thick with humidity and alive with the hum of insects, while afternoon thunderstorms roll across the horizon, their dramatic displays of lightning punctuating the afternoon before giving way to those silvery shafts of sunshine that make evening game drives so spectacular.
For our guests, summer at Matetsi Victoria Falls offers a different kind of magic. The Zambezi River is at its most inviting for fishing and sunset cruises, whilst bird watchers find themselves in paradise as the summer migrants return in spectacular numbers. This is also the season of new beginnings, when tiny fawns, calves and foals of all kinds take their first tentative steps in the wilderness.
Wildlife Movements & Sightings
The influx of newborns across the reserve has coincided with the arrival of the summer rains, and whilst this abundance naturally attracts the attention of predators, it’s all part of the eternal cycle that keeps the bush in balance.
Lions have provided consistently thrilling sightings throughout the summer. Ruby, a lioness with a research collar that is providing valuable data, has already been spotted mating – a development that has the entire team eagerly anticipating the possibility of cubs in the coming months. The data from Ruby’s collar and that of Rocky, a collared male, have proven invaluable in tracking their movements and gaining deeper insights into territorial patterns and social dynamics. The data gathered from these two collared lions is crucial for monitoring their health and behaviour, contributing to a broader understanding of predator ecology at Matetsi Private Game Reserve.
The wild dog pack of 14 continues to flourish, with the pups from last season now growing into strong sub-adults. It’s particularly rewarding to report that the individual we treated for a wire snare around her neck (mentioned in the previous Wildlife Report) has made a full recovery and can be seen thriving alongside her pack – a testament to the effectiveness of timely intervention and expert veterinary care.
“We were on high alert at the Vlei, scanning the ground for big cat tracks in the misty morning air when, suddenly, loud booming and squeaking calls echoed from behind the bushes. As we went closer and switched off the engine, our jaws dropped – hundreds of frogs were belting out their love songs on the edges of a storm-filled waterhole. The sight and sound were therapeutic, but short-lived. Unexpectedly, a hamerkop [bird] strolled in and snatched two mating frogs, still glued together. The male frog clung on tight, but it was a losing battle though he couldn’t let her go! Just as we were taking it all in, a tawny eagle appeared, targeting a sandpiper but it flew off just in time! A thrilling chase started, with a second eagle joining in. The sandpiper eventually outsmarted them, flying too high for the eagles to follow. An unforgettable morning, for sure!” – Safari Guide Science
Leopards have made numerous appearances this season, with several memorable sightings that highlight both their hunting prowess and their adaptability to the thick summer vegetation.
“Living in the bush on a daily basis is a privilege that not many people get to witness. I am among the lucky ones. As a tracker, I get to help guests understand the signs and tracks that animals leave behind and create a story even when the animal is long gone. One drive on our way back to camp along Kambora West, I was spotlighting and the flashlight hit yellow, reflecting eyeballs some 200 metres away. I kept swaying side to side with the light but consistently keeping track of the mystery animal’s position. Eighty metres and closing, the animal leapt to the other side of the road and there she was! A glossy golden coat, well-printed rosettes and nice long tail tucked on the side: a leopard right in front of us.” – Safari Tracker Kelvin
“The leopard perched in the fork of the ancient Faidherbia albida [ana tree] becomes the eye of the wilderness, its gaze turning the tree into a throne of stealth. From this lofty split, the cat surveys the sweeping savanna like a silent sentinel, every muscle coiled for the sudden dash. The albida’s rugged bark cradles the predator, and the leopard’s spotted fur mirrors the tree’s own patterns of light and shadow, making the forked branch a camouflaged command post where the big cat waits, breathes the warm air and reads the subtle movements of life below, ready to leap into the unseen hunt that pulses through the African bush.” – Safari Guide Chris
Elephants have been a constant and magnificent presence throughout the summer, with dramatic encounters providing guests with unforgettable moments.
“On the 11th of January I witnessed a memorable and interesting fight between two bull elephants at one of the water holes. There was this massive bull which was drinking fresh water directly from the pipe, then another, smaller bull walked in to challenge him. Interestingly, the smaller one was obviously very clever because he stood on a termite mound when he got closer to the water hole so he would look big and intimidating.
In response, I saw the big bull hesitating and stepping aside, instead of confronting the smaller, younger bull. His true size was soon revealed however and the larger elephant charged, crashing into the younger bull so violently that it shook the ground beneath the vehicle. Since the elevation tactic could not work for the young bull, it employed another tactic which was successful: it pushed over a big, dead ironwood tree which almost fell on top of the big bull, sending him running.” – Safari Guide Knowledge
The return of migratory birds has been nothing short of spectacular. A recent waterbird survey on the reserve proved incredibly rewarding, revealing a stunning variety of species that have made the concession home for the summer months. These surveys will now become a regular part of our monitoring efforts throughout both the wet and dry seasons, helping us track the birdlife that enriches Matetsi Private Game Reserve’s already remarkable biodiversity.
Victoria Falls
The seasonal rhythm of Victoria Falls continues its predictable yet always impressive cycle. Whilst the early summer months typically see lower water levels, the falls never cease to impress – even at their seasonal minimum, tens of millions of litres of water plummet into the gorge every minute, creating a spectacle that defies easy description.
As the rains accumulate across the Zambezi catchment, water levels are beginning to rise, with the curtains of water gradually filling out. The exposed basalt rock face – that ancient volcanic formation laid down some 180 million years ago – is slowly disappearing once more beneath the growing torrent, marking the transition from the geological showcase of low water season to the thundering magnificence of high water yet to come.
Conservation Update
Our conservation efforts have maintained their momentum throughout the summer, with the team working across multiple fronts to protect and enhance this wilderness.
Tree protection remains an ongoing priority, with our wrapping programme continuing to safeguard valuable woodland species from elephant damage. Wildlife interventions this quarter included two successful elephant rescues, both requiring close coordination with the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. The first involved removing a snare from a sub-adult bull, whilst the second required careful extraction of a foreign object lodged in the foot of an adult bull. Thanks to the expertise and swift response of our partners, both elephants were treated successfully and have since fully recovered.
Infrastructure maintenance has been particularly demanding during this period of rapid growth. The team has worked tirelessly to keep up with road maintenance and grass mowing, as the recent rains have triggered explosive vegetation growth across the concession. The waterholes are looking magnificent – full to the brim and supporting the thriving wildlife populations that depend on them.
All of this work happens against the backdrop of our anti-poaching efforts, which remain constant throughout the year. The vigilance of our scouts and their dedication to protecting this wilderness ensures that the wildlife can flourish in safety, free from the threat of snares and illegal hunting.
The data we’re gathering from our collared lions, our regular waterbird surveys and our ongoing monitoring of wildlife populations continues to build a comprehensive picture of the ecosystem’s health and dynamics. This information proves invaluable not only for immediate management decisions but also for long-term conservation planning that will benefit Matetsi Private Game Reserve for generations to come.
Guest Testimonial
“Our honeymoon at Matetsi was truly unforgettable. From the warm airport welcome to the farewell, the hospitality throughout was exceptional. The villa was pure luxury with a private pool and meticulous attention to detail, from morning coffee delivered at 6am to exceptional room service. Highlights of the stay included a bushwalk with guide Paul tracking hyenas, breathtaking sunrise and sunset cruises on the mighty Zambezi, a magical bush breakfast by the river, and a thrilling game drive where we came across a lion kill. The food, thanks to chef Mxolisi and his team, was outstanding. Every moment exceeded our expectations – we can’t wait to return someday.” – Ed & Tash
