What’s your Morukuru Family Madikwe spirit animal?

Ever spotted a lion lazing around in the sunshine while on safari and thought to yourself – “Now, that’s the life!”. Or maybe you noticed that snuffling little warthog running around with limitless energy resembled your toddler after eating too much sugar? You’re not alone! Read on to find out which animal in Madikwe Game Reserve is your spirit animal (you’re bound to recognise a few other people in your life, too! 😉)
(c) Stephan Paschedag

The lion: The leading king/queen who captivates an audience

Do you attract attention without even trying? Do you lovingly monopolise group chats and have a flair for the theatrical? You’re Madikwe Game Reserve’s bush royalty: charismatic, a little dramatic, but undeniably the headliner of every situation. You don’t just walk into a room; you leave a trail of awestruck admirers in your wake. With attention to detail and a passion for getting to know your preferences, rest assured that our hospitality team will make you feel like the royalty you are!
Fast fact from our guides: Lions in the reserve sometimes deliver a chilling “pre-dawn chorus” with their roars – a territorial power move so strong it can reverberate for up to 8 kilometres. That’s right. They announce their presence louder than your neighbour’s leaf blower on a Sunday morning!

The leopard: The stealthy perfectionist who values privacy

Are you cool, calm, collected, and 100% done with overexposure? You’re a leopard, the introvert of the bush. You operate on an “I’ll show up when I want to” schedule, holding everyone’s attention effortlessly because you’re all about quality over quantity. You’ll love the Morukuru Freedom Concept for setting your own timetable at our exclusive-use properties.
Fast fact from our guides: Leopards are incredibly strong and versatile climbers, often hauling prey weighing up to 2 – 3 times their own body weight into trees to protect it from scavengers and other predators.
The African wild dog: The hyperactive social butterfly Do you live for group projects, buzzing WhatsApp chats, and planning elaborate surprise parties down to the last minute? You’re the African wild dog, one of the bush’s fiercest team players. You’re high-energy, exceptionally loyal, and prefer to move in ‘packs’ – i.e. you view your friendship circle more like family.
Fast fact from our guides: African wild dogs have a unique ‘team strategy’ before scoping out prey. The whole pack literally organises a pre-hunt group ‘bathroom break’ to mark their territory and focus their energy.
(c) Jeremy Peters

The zebra: The chic non-conformist who always stands out

Are you the quirky one who somehow makes things work that shouldn’t – like socks with sandals? Then you’re the zebra, turning heads in ANY crowd. No two zebras are the same and neither are you! You don’t follow trends – you ARE the trend. Your charm is effortless, and you’re known for your unmatched creativity.
Fast fact from our guides: Burchell’s zebras, commonly seen in Madikwe Game Reserve, have ‘shadow stripes’ – faint extra lines between their bold black-and-white stripes. They couldn’t decide between subtlety and flair, so they did both.
(c) Stephan Paschedag

The elephant: The wise soul with a big heart

Are you the go-to person for emotional advice? Do you have the mental Rolodex of an actual elephant, never forgetting names, dates, or birthdays? You’re the reserve’s elephant: strong, empathetic, and deeply rooted in your values. You’re gentle when needed… until someone crosses a line. Then it’s “get out of the watering hole.”
Fast fact from our guides: Elephants can “hear” underground by detecting seismic vibrations through their feet, allowing them to communicate with one another over long distances.
(c) Marina Smithers

The baboon: The whimsical mischief maker

Be honest: are you the one who’s likely to steal food from someone’s plate and play it off as “just being cute”? If so, you’re the baboon. Mischievous, clever, and charming, you’re everyone’s guilty pleasure. People can’t stay mad at you – probably because you’re too busy keeping them on their toes.
Fast fact from our guides: Baboons are the largest monkeys in the world, and their long canine teeth can be longer than those of a leopard!
(c) Stephan Paschedag

The Southern African ground squirrel: Small but dynamite

Does everyone underestimate you… often to their own detriment? If yes, then give a round of applause to your spirit animal: Madikwe Game Reserve’s Southern African ground squirrel. Quirky, resourceful, and full of surprises, you quietly rule in your own special way.
Fast fact from our guides: While foraging in the sun, these squirrels often hold their bushy tails over their bodies like parasols to shield themselves from heat.
(c) Marina Smithers

The hyena: The resilient underdog that always wins

Are you underappreciated but always TWO steps ahead of everyone else? You might just be the hyena. With your sharp instincts and unshakeable tenacity, you know how to turn any situation in your favour – no matter how messy it gets. Oh, and your sense of humour? Hilarious, if occasionally… dark.
Fast fact from our guides: Brown hyenas mark their territory with paste from their anal glands. This behaviour communicates territorial boundaries to other hyena clans, signalling that the area is occupied and to be avoided.
(c) Stephan Paschedag

The pangolin: The rare gem of the group

Do people think you’re quiet and reserved, but end up absolutely fascinated by you once they get to know you? You’re a pangolin, one of the reserve’s rarest and most mysterious residents. Under that tough exterior lies a curious, kind, and utterly unforgettable soul.
Fast fact from our guides: Pangolins can eat up to 70 million insects per year.
Whether you’re bold like a lion, quirky like a zebra, or quietly extraordinary like a pangolin, there’s a little bit of wild in all of us. The animals of Madikwe Game Reserve are the beating heart of this incredible place. And when you visit, they feel like part of the family, too. Because here at Morukuru Family Madikwe, every moment brings you closer to nature and closer to a sense of belonging you won’t find anywhere else.