Across Londolozi, termite mounds are a constant feature. Some stand tall and weathered, others blend into thickets, slowly being reclaimed by time. They are more than just piles of earth—many serve as lookout posts for predators, den sites for warthogs, or shaded retreats for reptiles and birds. On quiet afternoons, it’s not uncommon to see a leopard stretched across the top of one, scanning the grasslands below.
The Plaque Rock Female taking a moment to scan her surroundings from a termite mound with a Schotia tree rising from the mound behind her.
Born 2018, skilled huntress and determined mother. Dominated Sand River territory until her tragic end in 2024.
Guests often ask whether the tree or the mound came first. And while both scenarios can occur, more often than not, the mound came first.
Beneath the surface lies the real story. Fungus-growing termites—tiny, blind, and remarkably efficient—work around the clock to build intricate underground cities. Using a mixture of soil, saliva and faeces, they shape chambers, tunnels, and ventilation shafts with remarkable precision. Some mounds are thought to be over 60 years old and may extend several metres underground.
Termite mounds are built from a mixture of soil, saliva, and faeces, layered meticulously to form walls that breathe and regulate temperature.
At the heart of the colony is a fungus garden. The termites feed this fungus with plant material, and in return, it helps break down tough cellulose into digestible nutrients. Over time, the accumulation of organic matter and the constant recycling of soil results in rich, fertile ground—an oasis in otherwise nutrient-poor surroundings.
Deep inside the mound, worker termites tend to a fungus garden—an ancient agricultural practice which not only feeds the colony but enriches the soil for future growth.
When a mound is abandoned or begins to erode, conditions become ideal for seeds to germinate. Carried by wind, birds, or animals, these seeds often land by chance on the raised mound, where the loose, nutrient-rich soil offers a perfect nursery. This is where trees like the jackalberry and schotia often take root. Their roots stabilise the mound and continue to draw from its nutrient store, sometimes growing into the giants we see scattered across the reserve.
These trees also extend the ecological role of the mound. Their canopies attract birds, insects and mammals, while their shade creates a cooler microclimate beneath. In many ways, the termite colony may be long gone, but its influence remains, supporting new life long after the last worker has died.
A warthog peers out from the entrance of an old termite mound, now repurposed as a burrow. Once home to millions of tiny builders, the mound continues to offer shelter, just in a very different form.
There is also something quietly astonishing about how termites manage airflow. Their mounds regulate temperature and humidity through a network of narrow shafts and vents—an innovation that has inspired sustainable building designs. Architects have mimicked these natural systems to create energy-efficient structures, including entire shopping centres, without relying on artificial air conditioning.
A Yellow-billed Hornbill picks off termites from the chimney of a mound. These chimneys are more than just exits—they form part of a complex ventilation system that keeps the fungus garden below at the right temperature and humidity, a design so efficient it has inspired modern sustainable architecture.
A termite mound may seem like a relic of the past, but its story continues to grow. From it, life springs forth—trees that tower above the bush, animals that find shelter in its walls, and even ideas that shape the way we build and live. What begins below the surface leaves a legacy that stretches far beyond it.
The intricacies of the working / non working Termite mounds is truly fascinating.
Love the photo of the fungus garden – The details is amazing.
This is such a beautiful reminder that everything in nature has its place. Sophisticated systems like these can teach us so much.
Termites are such interesting creatures. Their skills are really astonishing.
Again such a great example of how everything in nature relies on everything else.
The importance of social insects’ work like termites is so beautifully described in this blog edition. The ecological role play by such wonderful tiny living beings is immense and allows other life to thrive. I’d be enthusiastic to see it personally!
Hi Kelsey, very intriguing subject and the workers are so dedicated to build their mounds perfectly. The fungus garden is so beautiful. Termites are truly genuis builders.
Kelsey, Thanks for the reminder of how amazing the termite mounds are. It really amazing how large some of them are and the symbiotic relationship between the mounds and so many of the animals and plant life! We just saw the cute Hyena cubs at play in one last week!
This blog is so interesting and timely! Currently in Ghana and we have seen so many huge mounds with tree or brush and we were JUST wondering the very topic of this blog! Love it! Thank you!
Who knew how important termite mounds are relative to their relationship to the earth and its inhabitants? I learned so much from your article and found the photos of the fungus garden and cut away view of the termites at work fascinating. Reading this offers greater insight as to how important insects are to the ecosystem. Terrific post Kelsey!