March 2026

Malilangwe

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Malilangwe: March 2026

As March marched on, the green abundance of late summer began to soften into the more subdued hues of early autumn. The once-vivid grasses are still tall from the tail-end of the summer rains, and trees such as mopane and baobab hold onto their leaves, but a subtle thinning has begun, allowing more dappled light to reach the ground below. Water sources remain plentiful, and we are so grateful for the top-up received this month that will serve as the landscape and wildlife’s reservoir in months to come. Birdlife shifts, with some migratory species preparing to depart, their calls becoming less frequent against the warm, dry breeze that now hints at the coming winter.
An overview of the month’s sightings follows:
Lions
  • The Nduna Pride has spent much of its time around Madope, often resting on the rocks as they wait for potential prey coming to drink at the natural water source at the base of the rocks. The open landscape in this area makes it ideal for scanning their surroundings.
Leopards
  • On one game drive, a leopard was spotted at the grid on Old Binya Road as it crossed the road. It moved quickly and disappeared into the dense bush, as they often do. Later, near the viewing point at the Chiredzi River, another leopard appeared ahead of the vehicle, relaxed and walked along the edge of the road. This was an exceptional sighting – rare in its calm behaviour and clear visibility.
African wild dogs
  • We had an amazing series of sightings of a pack of 16 wild dogs, and we were lucky enough to observe them on several separate occasions. Seeing the pack repeatedly made us feel like we were watching a real story unfold, chapter by chapter, rather than a one-time encounter.
Elephants
The prolonged rains have been particularly beneficial to breeding herds and solitary elephants. Numerous puddles have formed, providing ideal wallowing sites where the animals cool themselves and regulate their body temperature.
  • Along the Pamushana Access and West Valley Roads, elephants continue to be seen in large numbers. Freshly broken tree branches scattered across the road indicate their frequent movement and feeding activity in the area.
Buffalo
  • Our buffalo herds are thriving and experiencing significant growth. This month we had a wonderful opportunity to observe several herds, which included many young calves. We are pleased to see that they are all in excellent condition. The abundance of food available has contributed to their health and vitality, ensuring that both the adult buffalo and their young are well nourished and flourishing.
Rhinos
  • The sightings of white rhinos have been more spread out due to the late rains, which created numerous water points. As a result, the animals are drinking from the nearest puddles.
  • Black rhinos have been frequently seen along the Chiredzi River area at the end of Pamushana Access Road. This area is ideal for them, as it lies close to the tree line and provides reliable access to water.
Spotted hyenas
  • Hyenas have been observed trailing the wild dogs, hoping to scavenge on any leftovers from a kill.
Brown hyenas
Brown hyenas are scarce and absent from many wildlife areas in Zimbabwe. They are far more common in the desert regions of Namibia, making their presence here particularly valuable. We are fortunate that our reserve supports a small population, allowing us the opportunity to see them from time to time.
  • Recently, one was seen in Banyini area at around 16:00 – an impressive and unusual daylight appearance for such a shy, predominantly nocturnal species.
Plains game
  • The late rains have encouraged the rejuvenation of fresh, nutrient-rich grass, attracting various species of animals to the open areas where food is now abundant. In these mixed herds, mutual alarm signals ensure that every individual is quickly alerted to potential danger, enhancing their overall safety. Because food is plentiful, there is little competition for territories during this period. The large concentration of plains game in one area also helps keep the grass short, maintaining open visibility and creating favourable grazing conditions for all.
Birds
  • Finally, the rainy season has come to an end. Temperatures are gradually shifting, and the number of insects is steadily declining. Migratory birds have begun heading back to their alternate homes in sync with the changing availability of food, although a few remain. Our endemic birds have bred very well and are in good health. With plenty of grass seeds scattered everywhere, their distribution continues to spread.
Rock art
  • Rock art sites feature amazing and intricate paintings created by the San people, and many of them are still beautifully preserved today. They hold remarkable history that visitors greatly enjoy, offering a vivid reflection of the lifestyle the bushmen once lived.
Boat cruises
  • A boat cruise is the perfect way to round off a safari. Guests can relax with drinks in hand while enjoying wildlife sightings along the shoreline. Hippos are always guaranteed – grunting and blowing sprays of water as they surface to breathe.
Fishing
  • The fishing spots we used before the rains are now too deep, and activity there has decreased. The western side of the dam currently offers the best fishing areas, with shallow waters less than two metres deep ideal for bream. Tiger fishing remains productive among the dead trees. We landed bream weighing up to two kilograms.
Day visits to Gonarezhou National Park
  • The late rains have filled the Runde River, the major watercourse that meanders through Gonarezhou National Park, along with all its tributaries. With the abundance of water, elephants have been frequently seen in the open areas, where they enjoyed wallowing in the muddy pans, their bodies turning a striking red from iron-rich soils. It was remarkable to encounter such large numbers of elephants, impalas, kudu, and waterbuck in the open, especially when one would typically expect them to remain in the thick bush at this time.
  • The Chilojo Cliffs remained as stunning as ever, adding their iconic backdrop to the landscape. Road conditions are excellent, with all routes well-maintained and accessible.
By Jenny Hishin
Author / Field Guide