May in the Mluwati Concession
May in the Mluwati Concession signals the gentle transition from the vibrant abundance of summer into the quieter, cooler rhythms of winter. The landscape begins to change subtly each day — lush green grasses have started to slowly fade to golden hues, the mornings arrive with a crisp chill, and the bush settles into a calmer, more peaceful atmosphere.
The cooler temperatures can make game viewing particularly rewarding. Animals are noticeably more active throughout the day, taking advantage of the mild weather after the intense summer heat. Early morning safaris are often accompanied by soft mist hanging low over drainage lines and open clearings, while the calls of francolins and hornbills echo through the still air as the sun rises over the concession. Guests do not need to worry too much about the change in temperature as our guides have blankets and warm ponchos on the game viewers.
Predator activity often increases during May. Lions can frequently be heard roaring in the cold early mornings, their calls travelling great distances through the crisp air. Leopards become more visible as vegetation thins slightly, allowing guests wonderful sightings along riverbeds, drainage lines and in trees. Wild dogs may also cover vast distances through the concession as they continue their energetic hunts in the cooler weather.
Birdlife in May remains diverse and exciting. Lilac-breasted rollers, tawny eagles, bateleurs, and colourful bee-eaters continue to provide spectacular sightings for bird enthusiasts. The softer winter light also creates excellent photographic opportunities, with warm tones and dramatic skies becoming increasingly common.
The evenings around the lodge take on a special atmosphere during May. Guests gather around crackling fires after safari drives, sharing stories of memorable sightings beneath brilliantly clear African skies. The cooler nights bring a sense of comfort and tranquillity that perfectly complements the wilderness experience.
Echoes across the bushveld: Southern Ground Hornbills in the Mluwati Concession
The Southern Ground Hornbill is one of Africa’s most iconic and fascinating bird species. With their striking black plumage, vivid red facial skin, and deep booming calls that can travel several kilometres across the bushveld, these birds are always a memorable sighting for guests exploring the Mluwati Concession. Often referred to as the “thunderbird”, Southern Ground Hornbills are deeply connected to African folklore and are considered an important symbol of the wilderness.
Unlike many other hornbill species, Southern Ground Hornbills spend most of their time on the ground, slowly walking through the grasslands in search of insects, reptiles, small mammals, and other prey. They live in highly social family groups and are known for their complex breeding behaviour. A group may only successfully raise one chick every several years, making population recovery a slow and delicate process.
We are fortunate to have active Southern Ground Hornbill nests within the concession, highlighting the importance of protected wilderness areas such as Mluwati in supporting endangered species. Seeing these birds thriving within the concession is always incredibly rewarding and serves as a reminder of the vital role conservation areas play in protecting South Africa’s biodiversity.
The concession proudly works alongside the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project, an organisation dedicated to slowing and reversing the decline of Southern Ground Hornbill populations across southern Africa. Since its establishment in 1999, the project has focused on research, monitoring, reintroduction programmes, education, and habitat protection for this remarkable species.
Southern Ground Hornbills are currently classified as endangered in South Africa, with habitat loss, poisoning, collisions with infrastructure, and the destruction of nesting trees contributing to their decline. Conservation initiatives and partnerships remain critical to ensuring the future survival of these birds.
Guests who would like to support the ongoing conservation work of the project can make donations directly through the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project donation page. Every contribution assists with research, nest monitoring, rehabilitation, education programmes, and the protection of Southern Ground Hornbill populations for future generations.
Introducing Hayden
Hamiltons Tented Camp is proud to introduce Hayden, who joined the team on the 28th of March and has already brought great enthusiasm and passion to the guiding experience. From a young age, Hayden knew that he wanted to work in conservation and spend his life surrounded by nature. Inspired by legendary conservationists and storytellers such as Steve Irwin and David Attenborough, his dream of working in the bush eventually led him to a career as a safari guide.
Hayden’s love for the natural world is reflected in his favourite animal, the white rhino. These incredible animals continue to inspire him with their strength, resilience, and importance within conservation efforts. Spending time observing rhino behaviour in the wild remains one of the many highlights of his guiding journey.
When it comes to favourite locations within the concession, Hayden says that Big Pan stands out above the rest. The area offers breathtaking scenery, exceptional wildlife activity, and peaceful moments that perfectly capture the magic of the African bushveld. Whether enjoying a quiet sunrise or an exciting wildlife sighting, Big Pan remains a place that continues to leave a lasting impression on him.
As a guide, Hayden hopes that every guest leaves not only with unforgettable safari memories, but also with a deeper appreciation and understanding of nature. He is passionate about sharing knowledge of the wilderness and creating meaningful experiences that help guests connect with the natural world around them.
We are excited to have Hayden as part of the Hamiltons Tented Camp family and look forward to the many memorable experiences he will continue to share with guests in the years ahead.
The Kings of Mluwati: Lions of the Concession
Few sounds capture the spirit of the African wilderness quite like the deep roar of a lion echoing through the bushveld before sunrise. Lions remain one of the most sought-after sightings for guests visiting the Mluwati Concession, and every encounter with these magnificent predators leaves a lasting impression.
As Africa’s largest social cats, lions live in prides that are built around strong family bonds. Females work together to raise cubs and hunt cooperatively, while dominant males protect the pride’s territory from rivals. Watching these interactions unfold in the wild provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex social structure of one of nature’s most iconic animals.
Guests exploring the concession may be fortunate enough to encounter the well-known Hamiltons Pride. Seeing the pride resting beneath shady trees during the heat of the day or becoming active during the cooler mornings and evenings is always a memorable safari experience. Young cubs playing, lionesses moving through the grass with purpose, or dominant males surveying their territory all contribute to the magic of a lion sighting.
Lions play a critical role within the ecosystem by helping to maintain healthy prey populations and supporting the natural balance of the bushveld. Their presence is a sign of a thriving wilderness, and protected areas such as the
provides an ideal habitat for lions, with open grasslands, river systems, and dense thickets supporting healthy populations of prey species such as impala, zebra, buffalo, and wildebeest. Early mornings and evenings are often the best times to encounter lions, as they become more active during the cooler parts of the day. Guests may witness prides resting in the shade, cubs playing together, or lions moving purposefully through the bush in search of prey. The Mluwati Concession provide an essential refuge for these incredible predators.
Winter months often provide particularly rewarding lion sightings as the cooler weather encourages increased daytime activity. Guests may hear roaring at night from the comfort of camp, a powerful reminder that they are truly immersed in one of Africa’s last great wild spaces.
Every lion sighting tells a different story — from dramatic hunts and territorial encounters to peaceful moments shared between pride members. These unforgettable experiences continue to make lions one of the true highlights of any safari in the Mluwati Concession.
