The magic of the African bushveld comes alive at the Jabulani waterhole, where elephants and other wildlife gather to quench their thirst and socialise. Thanks to Africam, we can all experience these moments, no matter where we are in the world. Whether it’s a peaceful herd of elephants taking a slow afternoon drink or a leopard mother with her playful cub, Africam offers an extraordinary window into nature at its most raw and real.

Africam is an innovative live streaming service that connects people with the wonders of African wildlife through strategically placed webcams across the continent. At Jabulani, the Africam camera is set up at our waterhole, providing a 24/7 view of the wildlife that frequents this vital source of water. With real-time footage and sound, it gives viewers a front-row seat to the daily routines and surprises of the animals living in the reserve.

Africam brings numerous benefits for both wildlife enthusiasts and conservation efforts. It allows people from all over the world to witness wildlife in its natural environment, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of African ecosystems. Africam plays a role in educating the public about the importance of protecting endangered species like elephants, while also providing a platform for raising awareness around our conservation work. Beyond entertainment, Africam serves as a tool for research and monitoring, helping to track animal behaviours, movements and interactions.

In this blog, we’ll share some of the most exciting recent sightings at the Jabulani waterhole, so you can relive the beauty and surprises of the wild.

Lions stalking warthogs in the bush

In this clip, three female lions rest quietly in the shade, their eyes fixed on an unsuspecting warthog nearby. Lions are powerful hunters, but their success rate is lower than you might expect—only about 20-30% of hunts result in a kill. Whether they succeed this time is left to the imagination.

The wild elephant herd

The wild elephant herd arrive at the waterhole, pausing for a much-needed drink. Elephants can drink up to 200 litres of water a day, using their trunks to suck and spray the water into their mouths. Elephants are highly social animals, and the waterhole often becomes a gathering point where herds bond and interact.

The elusive genet makes an appearance

A genet appears at the waterhole for a brief, quiet drink under the cover of darkness. These elusive, nocturnal creatures are rarely seen for long, as they typically remain hidden in the bush. Known for their cat-like agility and sleek, spotted coats, genets are solitary hunters, feeding on small mammals, birds and insects. This quick moment at the water’s edge offers a rare glimpse of their secretive nature.

Hyena swimming parties

In these clips, hyenas take a break from their usual scavenging to enjoy a refreshing swim at the waterhole. While known for their reputation as scavengers, hyenas are skilled hunters and highly intelligent animals with a complex social structure. Cooling off in the water not only helps them beat the heat but also shows the playful side of these often misunderstood animals.

Leopard mother and cub bonding time

In this video, a mother leopard and her cub spend some playful moments at the waterhole. After sipping at the water’s edge, they start to stalk and pounce on each other, with the cub learning important hunting skills while having fun. Leopards are usually solitary, but the bond between a mother and her cub is crucial during this time as the cub develops the abilities it will need later in life. It’s a glimpse of both affection and early lessons in survival.

Midnight waterhole breaks

In these late-night videos, a variety of animals stop by the waterhole for a drink. A group of male lions walk by in the calm of the night, settling down near the water’s edge to rest. A leopard makes its way to the waterhole, pausing for a peaceful drink under the pre-dawn light. Lastly, a leopard arrives for a drink but does something unexpected—sniffing and even eating a piece of elephant dung. While it seems strange, this could be out of curiosity or to gain some minerals. In the wild, animals sometimes consume dung to supplement their diets with nutrients they might be missing.

Chilling by the water

In these relaxing scenes, a variety of animals take a moment to unwind by the water’s edge. Buffalo and warthogs are seen lounging peacefully, even dozing off, under the warm, midday sun. A lively mob of mongooses arrives, taking quick sips of water before scattering to forage nearby. A small monitor lizard climbs up the wall where a group of terrapins are sleeping. As it makes one big leap, it disturbs the peace, sending all but one terrapin diving into the water in a sudden splash. Even the calm moments at the waterhole come with surprises!

To experience these incredible moments in real-time, be sure to check out the live Africam feed on YouTube: