There’s something quietly exhilarating about heading out into the African bush, never knowing what the morning or afternoon will bring. On our most recent game drives at Fifty-Five Mjejane, guests were reminded once again of just how alive and unpredictable the reserve can be.
From quiet grazers to mighty giants, the veld offered up some unforgettable sightings — a rich blend of stillness, movement, and raw natural beauty.
Amongst the Thickets and Shadows
One of the first sightings was a group of giraffes, making their way gracefully through the dried winter bushes. Their tall forms moved silently as they browsed from the upper branches of trees, heads swaying gently above the brush line — a timeless image of safari calm.
Deeper in the reserve, the dense bush came alive with the sound of elephants. We watched in hushed silence as they moved between the thick greenery and dappled shade, their trunks methodically tugging at leaves and branches. As they travelled, with the more naive members of the herd never straying far behind their elders, we were offered a glimpse into the close-knit world of these intelligent, social giants.
Taking the Scenic Route
Down one of the reserve’s dusty trails, a group of zebras took “the road more traveled,” walking confidently along the same paths used by the game vehicles. Their black-and-white coats stood out boldly against the muted winter palette, a living contrast that made for striking photographs.
Riverbank Calm and Bushveld Surprises
Near the water’s edge, a group of waterbuck lingered quietly. Their thick coats and distinctive ringed rumps made them easy to spot as they watched us from the tall reeds. Their alert posture and stillness gave the moment a peaceful, reflective quality — the kind that makes you slow down and breathe.
And in one of the more surprising moments of the drive, a few hippos were seen out of the water, walking along the bushveld instead of lounging in their usual pools. It’s not every day you get to see these heavyweight grazers on foot, and the sight definitely sparked excitement in the vehicle.
Down to Earth
A family of warthogs were also spotted in the veld — noses to the ground, tails flicking, completely absorbed in their search for roots and bulbs. There was something endearingly focused about them, as if the world had shrunk to the scent of earth and food.
Not far off, a yellow-billed hornbill was spotted perched on a fallen log, calmly scanning the ground for insects. These curious birds are always a welcome sight with their striking bills and bold behavior. As was the young bushbuck we found moving cautiously through the dry underbrush, pausing briefly before disappearing into the thickets. These sightings offered a great look at some of the more overlooked but fascinating species in the reserve.
A Drive to Remember
Each of these moments — some subtle, others dramatic — is a reminder of the variety and richness of life here at Fifty-Five Mjejane. Whether it’s the quiet persistence of warthogs or the commanding presence of elephants, the bush has a way of showing up when you least expect it.
And the best part? The story changes every day. Join us soon, and write your own chapter in the wild.