05/09/2026
This World Vulture Day, we’re raising a glass to one of the bush’s most underrated characters.
Vultures may not have the glamour of a leopard or the elegance of a giraffe, but spend a little time watching them and their charm is hard to resist. They are wonderfully social, occasionally scruffy and gloriously goofy. At dusk, they gather in communal roosts, jostling for the best perch, preening, stretching, squabbling and settling in together as though they’ve arrived for a very exclusive dinner party.
There is, of course, much more to these remarkable birds than their comic personalities.
Vultures are essential to a healthy ecosystem, efficiently clearing carrion and helping to limit the spread of disease. Yet across Africa, many vulture species are endangered, facing threats including poisoning, habitat loss and persecution.
So on your next safari, look beyond the obvious stars. Take a moment to watch the vultures too. You may be surprised by how quickly these odd, social, essential birds win you over.
At Fifty-Five Mjejane, the bush has a way of making even the unexpected sightings feel extraordinary.
Come for the luxury. Stay for the wildlife. Leave with a new appreciation for the wonderfully weird characters that keep the wild going.