Monate Game Lodge

Male Cheetah

Administrator — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:19:42 +0000

This male cheetah, currently in our boma facilities at Monate, was captured in the Thabazimbi area. His mother died when he was about 7 months old, and without the education of his mother to hunt, he started catching and feeding of livestock in the area. EWT (Endangered Wildlife Trust) was called out to capture this young male. After he was captured he was translocated to the Potgietersrus Zoo where was kept in captivity until a suitable ‘home’ could be found for him. That suitable ‘home’ was found at Monate.

The main objective with this male is to release him back into the wild where he can hunt for himself and establish his own territory. The re-wilding of this male will be done at Monate and we hope to release him as a sufficient hunter and dominant male within the next 3 to 6 months.

New pink feet on Monate

Administrator — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 05:13:10 +0000

New pink feet on Monate
This hippo calve was born on 5th of February 2012, in hippo dam which is one of our biggest dams on the reserve.
Caring and protective mother is seeking for evasion to save her youngster from being killed by the other raft members. Sad but true there was an incident about 3 months ago where Monate also had a new born calf, but unfortunately he didn’t stay long with us, the maximum was 3 days.
This is actually not an unusual behaviour within Hippos to kill out the youngsters. They live in what we call pods or rafts which consist of an n dominant territorial male with a number of females.
Males that come into the area mustn’t show any interests in the resident females. They will also not tolerate more members to join if the area and food sources are limited already.
Within nature animals will reach an equilibrium where they will not increase or try to decrease when environmental conditions are taking down.
Let’s see and all hope that this pink foot will get the opportunity to bring her own one into the world.
Nature will take its course for the best of it!!

Green Katydid resembling a leaf

Administrator — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:02:30 +0000

Green Katydid resembling a leaf
Nature is amazing in many ways don’t you think. Even insects have their clever ways to play hide and seek in the bush.
See picture above of Green Katydid resembling a leaf. Having these features is to camouflage into its surrounding. The body shaped as a leaf and green colouration will blend in, “act” as another leaf in the tree which will make it very difficult to spot.
To spot something like this between the leaves you seriously need a practised eye to recognise the body shape.

By Surina Brits

Wedding Time At Monate

admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:41:51 +0000

Monate was privileged to host Mr & Mrs Brase’s wedding this last weekend!

Luckily the weather played along & everybody had a wonderful time at the ceremony held under the Marula tree on the reserve, game drive and then a fabulous – unforgettable time at the reception!!

Congratulations & Best Wishes for the Future!!!

‘The Monate Team’

IBM & Clients

admin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 09:09:23 +0000

IBM brought along their client’s for 3 nights to Monate. The delegates worked very hard during sessions and had time for fun inbetween! Buggy rides kept everyone entertained, even when it was raining! Dinner in the cave & under the stars in the bush were both raved about. It was such a pleasure working with Nombulelo & Natalie – we look forward to hearing from them soon!

Our rainy season and magnificent electrical storms have begun, which is wonderfully welcomed with open arms, terrible hair days and fried equipment (like our internet for the last 2 days), but that’s the fun part about living in the bush!

The brave group that were a little soaked

We are so glad that we recovered your keys, Sir!Â

Time to get my safety belt on!

We humbly apologize for leaving you behind, Nombulelo!

Alright team, are you ready for a slight drizzle of rain?

Time for a refreshmentÂ

Next was bush dinner with lots of cheer & singing by all!

Another successful event, thoroughly enjoyed by guests & staff – looking forward to seeing everyone back soon!

“The Monate Team”

DEAT Teambuilding

admin — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:00:58 +0000

Monate hosted a few guests from the department of environment & tourism the last few days!

Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

The group enjoyed various team-building activities like survivor and drumming, but not all was fun and games – unfortunately, as some time also had to be spent in conference!

Have a safe & pleasant journey home!

‘The Monate Team’

Samancor Year End Breakaway!

admin — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:58:09 +0000

Monate thoroughly enjoyed the company of Samancor guests during their annual getaway. The ladies from Ikhuta Mobile Spa spoiled the wives with facials & massages in the beautiful surroundings of Rushton Luxury Tent. It was very warm & Bambi did his rounds with the guests, ending up at the pool with Mrs Gibson. A successful weekend always ends in sad farewells and promises of returns. Perhaps there will be many pitter patter of puppy paws on their return…!!!

“Fancy a dip in the pool with me?” says Bambi

A serene facial was a perfect remedy to shake off the concrete jungle!

“Thank you” to the professional ladies from Ikhutsa!

A display of Ikhutsa’s products

Peace & tranquillity in the open bush…

Hey Stump Nose!Â Baby is getting big too fast!

An early morning peak at our Hippo family!

“The Monate Team”

Counting Game!

admin — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:31:17 +0000

A crew came out to carry out our game count recently. Wimpie & Lauren tagged along to assist, even though they felt a little queezy afterwards!!!

Ready for take-off Captain!

Wimpie with his broad grin!

Lauren braving a smile…!

Our hippos & crocs are waiting for the rain to fill up their dam!

Thank you to Riaan & his team that did the count – till next year!

“The Monate Team”

Almost the Big 5!

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:42:53 +0000

A few delegates from Lion of Africa Insurance arrived at Monate late sunday afternoon.

As Lion’s should guests braved windy conditions and set out to our bush venue to have a spectacular evening… All venison & meat dishes was enjoyed thoroughly with even a few ‘vegetarians’ not being able to resist…. ???

Guests enjoying a drink on arrival at the bush boma

Dinner is ready!!! Welcome to our new lady Meokgo

This should compliment our wine….

Some salad for the vegetarians?

What’s for dessert?

Brian & Keith keeping a watchful eye…

We look forward to seeing all of you again soon, safe trip home!

‘The Monate Team’

New Cheetah Sculpture for Monate

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:42:08 +0000

All staff at Monate enjoyed a very exciting afternoon with the arrival of a brand new Cheetah sculpture center piece for our fountain!

This Cheetah sculpture serves as a reminder of our effort to rehabilitate these amazing endangered animals back into the wild – a program we are very proud of!

A special thanks to Jacques fromÂ EverardÂ Read Gallery who came out all the way to Monate to make sure theÂ delivery went smoothly – something that could not have be done without Trent and his team!Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

We are very excitedÂ for new &Â return guests to come and view this spectacular piece of artÂ done by Dylan Lewis for themselves!

‘The Monate Team’