Recent Wildlife Sightings with the Jabulani Safari Rangers

by jabulani safari blog

“Rangers play a vital role in conservation efforts by serving as guardians of protected lands, wildlife, and ecosystems. Our responsibilities vary depending on the environment we work in, but ultimately, we are here to conserve and protect every aspect of the natural world.” – Ranger Nathan

A ranger’s work goes beyond guiding guests through breathtaking landscapes. They are storytellers, conservationists and protectors of the wild, ensuring that every species—big or small—has a place in the future. Their days are shaped by the rhythm of the bush, where no two game drives are ever the same, and every sighting carries its own magic. From the patience it takes to track a big cat to the quiet joy of watching a herd of elephants move together in harmony, their role is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Some sightings are dramatic—a pack of wild dogs in full pursuit, or a rare glimpse of an elusive pangolin. Others are more subtle but no less special—the flutter of a lilac-breasted roller catching the morning light or the delicate tracks of a chameleon in the sand.

This year, our rangers have witnessed it all, from the extraordinary to the quietly beautiful.

Unforgettable Sightings

While every day in the bush brings something new, there are moments that stay with you forever. Here are five of the most breathtaking encounters our rangers have witnessed this year:

A moment of pure curiosity between a baby rhino and a baby buffalo as they lock eyes. Typically, rhinos and buffaloes don’t interact much in the wild, as they tend to keep their distance. While both are herbivores, buffaloes can be quite territorial and will sometimes challenge rhinos, especially the adults. However, with these babies, it’s all about curiosity. They’re still figuring out the world, and for now, their silent stare reflects their innocence rather than aggression. It’s a rare and beautiful moment where these two animals, usually more distant, share a peaceful exchange.

– Captured by Ranger Donovan.

This baby rhino is having a blast with some zoomies, even with the wind blowing strong around him. The wind can stir up different behaviours in rhinos. While it might make them more cautious, as they pick up unfamiliar scents or sounds, it can also make them feel more playful and curious. For this little one, the wind seems to spark a burst of energy, and he takes full advantage of it, running around with excitement. Despite the potential for alertness, today it’s all about play, as he enjoys the fresh gusts of wind in his world.

– Captured by Ranger Kyle

The deep, rumbling call of this male lion is a powerful display of dominance and communication. Lions use their roars to establish territory, warn off rivals, and communicate with other members of their pride. A lion’s roar can travel up to 8 kilometers, carrying a sense of authority and presence.

In real life, hearing this roar is intense. The ground beneath you seems to vibrate with each rumble, and the sound feels like it’s coming from deep within the earth. It’s an unmistakable sign of their power and significance in the wild.

– Captured by Ranger Nathan

There is nothing sweeter than a playful mock charge by the young elephant calf, a classic display of their curious and sometimes cheeky nature. At this age, calves often engage in mock charges as a form of social play and to practice their strength, often with no intention of actually confronting anything. It’s a way for them to build confidence and learn the behaviours they’ll need as they grow older.

Meanwhile, the calm presence of her mother walking just behind her showcases the protective role of elephants. Mothers are always close by, offering guidance and reassurance while letting their young ones explore and develop.

– Captured by Ranger Donovan

In the midday heat, a rhino confidently makes its way through a large herd of buffalo. Despite the size and power of the buffalo, they move aside without hesitation, allowing the rhino to pass. Rhinos, despite their solitary nature, are often undisturbed by the presence of other species, and the buffalo, aware of the rhino’s strength, give him space. The rhino moves with purpose, heading towards the perfect spot of mud where it eventually lies down. This behaviour is typical for rhinos, who use mud baths to cool off, protect their skin from the sun, and ward off insects. The rhino is not bothered by the large herd around it and in return the buffalo respect its space and move along as normal.

– Captured by Ranger Nathan

Looking Through Our Rangers’ Eyes

From the tiniest dung beetle to the mightiest predators, every creature plays a role in the intricate balance of nature. Through the eyes of our rangers, we are reminded that no sighting is too small, no moment insignificant.

This year, our team has captured some truly spectacular scenes—each one a reflection of the wild’s endless beauty and unpredictability. Scroll through their images and experience the wonder of the bush, where nature always has a story to tell.