Some winter mornings, temperatures ranged between 7 and 9 degrees Celcius as the cold breeze swept across waters in front of Moremi Crossing Camp. We even experienced drizzling rains, which is unusual for this time of the year!
An epic aardvark sighting
We could still navigate the Ntswi Reserve roads by Landcruiser as the floodwaters have yet to block our access, and Spotted hyenas and Black-backed jackals were regularly detected. With the help of a radiant spotlight, smaller mammals such as Serval, Civets, and genets were easily eyed too. One eventful evening, the rare Aardvark crossed into our beam! These ant-eaters must be one of Africa’s most bizarre yet enigmatic animals. Scientists reckon they can dig up and devour some 50,000 insects every night. Typically shy, Aardvarks occur in almost all of Africa’s parks and reserves, but only a lucky few ever catch sight of them. They are best sought out on a night drive, ideally in open terrain and during this winter season. Banded mongooses, honey badgers and porcupines were also seen after darkness fell.
Boating activities have resumed, and the general game along the Boro River and the sprawling channels around it have been fantastic. Zebra, Giraffe, Buffalo, Tsessebe, Blue wildebeest, Impala, Vervet monkeys and troops of baboons, Common reedbuck and Red lechwe all grazed along the water’s edges as we sailed past. There were also plenty of Nile crocodiles (one day, we counted 13 basking together) and Water monitor lizards making the most of the sunshine. Big flocks of Open-billed storks and Spur-winged geese have started to cloud our skies as the waters rise and feeding grounds flourish again. Guides reported standout sightings of endangered birds, the Wattled cranes and Southern ground hornbills, plus the roll call of regular residents, the Pel’s fishing owl, African fish eagles, Coppery-tailed coucals and Lilac-breasted rollers.
One morning a pack of nine African wild dogs came tearing through the staff village, and we quickly tracked them. Our speedy response was rewarded as we arrived on the scene in time to see the dogs chasing down a female Red lechwe, successfully landing the prey with a splash. Elephant herds have blossomed and we counted a group of 70 wading through the waters from the deck during afternoon tea.
Lions were scarce at the start of June but returned with a bang as we watched a lioness hunt an impala during a thrilling afternoon game drive. Another day, we located a coalition of three males who rested around a termite mound and used the elevated vantage point to keep a lazy eye out for passing prey.
Spiralling vultures ushered us towards a leopard which had killed a Common reedbuck male and hauled it into a tree. Closer to camp, a leopardess has taken refuge in a quiet corner of the bush and chosen it to raise a cub close to Gunn’s Camp. The mother and cub were repeatedly seen, and the little one delighted guests with its playful antics.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the location of either rhino or pangolin sightings. Accompanying pictures are from our Kwando Photo Library which consists of all your great photo submissions over the years, it may not be the most up to date, but we felt it was worthy of a feature alongside this month’s Sightings Report!)
Most insects have hibernated with the weather dry and nippy at this time of year. However, the cheerful orange African monarch still frequented our skies, and harvester termites have been busy at work.
Mornings have been particularly icy (one day, the thermometer dipped briefly below zero degrees centigrade) but encased in blankets and holding hot water bottles, our guests were richly rewarded. We located a very relaxed female leopard along the aardwolf road. She was lying in the open, grooming herself, and there were plenty of opportunities to photograph her. Then she slowly stood up and walked past our vehicle before disappearing into the bushes.
As always, lots of lion activity
One afternoon, we followed the beautiful cats of the Tau Pan Pride until they reached the Tau Pan Camp waterhole for a drink of water. The resident pride of eight (two healthy lionesses and six growing sub-adults) was witnessed again closer to the runway. They were well-fed, dragging their bellies as they trotted about in the early dawn. Another morning, we located fresh lion footprints along the fire break and tracked them towards the camp workshop, where the sub-adults played a charming hide-and-seek frolic to the delight of our guests.
We also found a male lion lying on the road near room one. It made its way to the waterhole, where he made a paltry attempt to hunt a gathering of Greater kudus, but they easily outran him.
The following day, we tracked two big male lions thanks to their resounding roars and located them along the road to Phukwe Pan. Their impressive sounds rattled through our bones, and the pair served several renditions we could record on video. A good safari makes use of all our senses. Guides often pause a game drive, switching off the engine to listen to the sounds of the bush. One day, Springbok snorts led to a lion sighting of two lionesses with three tiny cubs walking along the road, and we watched as one lioness lifted her cub by the scruff of their neck to stash them safely in thick vegetation before she veered off to hunt.
The predators of our skies have been active too. We saw a Southern pale chanting goshawk feeding on a lizard, Black-shouldered kites, Swallow-tailed bee-eaters, and the considerable Verreaux’s eagle owl with its distinctive pink eyelids.
Guides have noticed fewer numbers and smaller herds of springboks, but Red hartebeest, giraffe, Blue wildebeest, and gemsbok have been common along with the sweet little Steenbok pairs. The Common duiker was rarely seen in the open as they preferred the protective thickets along Carlos Road.
Two relaxed cheetahs were discovered close to our borehole (one female and her sub-adult male). That afternoon drive also proved productive as we managed to locate a big male cheetah along the main road heading to Makgoa Pan, but he was much shyer.
Shy Brown hyenas and sticky Aardwolf tongues
Speaking of shy. We came across one Brown hyena during a game drive along Chocks Road. He stopped briefly, but as soon as we switched off the vehicle engine, it tore off like a bullet. We likewise only caught a brief glimpse of a Black mamba, and the snake speedily disappeared into the grass.
Black-backed jackal, Honey badger, Wild cat, and Bat-eared fox were seen around the Tau Pan area, and an Aardwolf was found foraging along the main road heading across to Mawelewele Road. The aardwolf has exceptional hearing and can supposedly hear termite jaws snapping a blade of grass from two metres away. Thanks to a seriously sticky tongue, it can easily lick up the meal before the insects scurry away.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the location of either rhino or pangolin sightings. Accompanying pictures are from our Kwando Photo Library which consists of all your great photo submissions over the years, it may not be the most up to date, but we felt it was worthy of a feature alongside this month’s Sightings Report!)
“Rra Dinare never ceases to amaze”. At least, that is what our resident safari guide, Zulu, reported from an action-packed month.
This season, for the first time in living memory, the Gomoti River — which flows in front of Mma Dinare Camp — reached the Thamalakane River in Maun before the Boro River in an atypical floodwater route.
Most naturally-filled water holes and pans have run dry, and our guides noticed that animals mostly ventured west to drink from the growing Gomoti channel. This river flowed strongly, and a tremendous amount of game and birdlife congregated at its flourishing floodplains. Enormous herds of buffalos and streams of elephants paraded past Mma Dinare Camp while Red lechwe straddled the marsh. In the drier woodlands, we saw Tsessebe, Kudu, Steenbok, Impala and in one strange instance, Common reedbuck rather far from the water. Perhaps this antelope was spooked by the lion prides, which have enjoyed such prey abundance!
Cats were sighted throughout June, but lions were seen more frequently than other species.
What happens when you skip a game drive?
For several days, a small group of lions roamed the floodplains at Rra Dinare Camp, and their tracks were seen repeatedly in the Kalahari sand. A typical day in camp proved rather fruitful for sightings, in fact! Giraffes and elephants ambled past the pool, a honey badger was seen scurrying below the deck, while Red lechwe and buffalo bulls enjoyed the softer grazing of the sodden grasses. The river also supported a healthy array of aquatic birds, such as egrets, herons, Spoonbills, fish eagles, kingfishers and storks.
Another lion pride, consisting of a male, three lionesses and six cubs, was regularly seen near Mma Dinare camp. The cubs are growing healthy and energetic under the protection of the strong pride male.
A documentary-worthy lion kill!
During one afternoon drive, two male lions trailed a herd of buffalos (approximately 300), strategically singled out a big bull, and guests watched a documentary-worthy lion kill from stalk to skeleton. One of the lions held the buffalo by the nostrils while the other male attempted to weaken the rear and it seemed like the animal was surely doomed. After 15 minutes of bellowing struggle, the buffalo’s herd returned to a courageous rescue and bullied the lions off the injured animal. This hundred-strong herd then stood around the animal, protecting it from further attack for about an hour. Unfortunately, eventually, the group had to move on and continue feeding and the wounded buffalo could not keep up. With group defences down, the male coalition struck again, and the buffalo distress calls brought in more lions! Four adult lionesses and ten subadults arrived on the scene joining the two young males. After a tense moment of growling and establishing the hierarchy, the lionesses and lions ultimately worked together to quiet the prey. The buffalo was reduced to a skeleton in a matter of 30 hours.
Flocks of vultures and other birds of prey were seen daily soaring, gliding, descending and ascending. Hooded, Lappet-faced, and White-backed vultures were common species in the skies, and the distinctive Bateleur Eagle could never be missed with its acrobatic flight patterns. We also spied the rarer White-headed vulture from the deck of Rra Dinare Camp!
Three leopards in one tree – well almost
Leopards were seen throughout the month, but one event had guests and guides excitedly chatting around the dinner table. In a mating ritual, three leopards were found together: two males and one female. The distracted leopards went about their business until suddenly, a cloud of dust signalled an incoming lioness, intent on harassment. The leopards were fortunate to escape by taking refuge in the towering Kalahari Apple leaf trees while the lion circled below.
Our first cheetah sighting of a mother and three sub-adult males was enjoyed at Nxaraga. During another morning drive, we encountered a lone female. Still, the last week of June was most impressive when we followed the group of four cheetahs moving from Katty’s Pan to a suitably horizontal branch of an old Leadwood tree. They marked territory and played together before continuing their journey.
There were no sightings of African wild dogs this month, but their fresh tracks were found imprinted over our own vehicle tracks. Their scarcity is likely linked to a den site on the far side of the reserve, but they are hunting in the area.
Spotted hyenas and black-backed jackals were routine visitors at kill sites and often spied during night drives. One evening, our guests were delighted when our spotlight gleamed upon the figure of a Brown hyena. Another Brown hyena was found near a leopard kill around Mma Dinare Camp. We also saw an Aardwolf among the usual nocturnal species, such as serval, civet, honey badger, genets and wild cats.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the location of either rhino or pangolin sightings. Accompanying pictures are from our Kwando Photo Library which consists of all your great photo submissions over the years, it may not be the most up to date, but we felt it was worthy of a feature alongside this month’s Sightings Report!)
With winter at its coldest, hot bottles and blankets made the bracing morning drives much more comfortable, and guests ventured out to witness the natural world as it stirred with the rising sun.
A prominent clan (roughly 13) of Spotted hyenas has taken up residence near the airstrip and often scouted for prey and carcass scraps around camp. On two occasions, we found them fighting the lions near the airstrip.
We frequently encountered a mother cheetah with two cubs in the eastern parts of the Pom Pom Reserve on game drives along the floodplains and grasslands. She always moved carefully between islands to avoid the marauding hyenas at all costs. Keeping a low profile has worked in her favour regarding hunting. She was seen feeding with her cubs on Red lechwe, Impala, and Common reedbuck kills. One day, the hyena clan stole her Tsessebe kill (only the fastest cat could kill this speedy antelope!), and the mother cheetah graciously forfeited the meat to protect her cubs.
African wild dog duo den near Pom Pom Camp
A pack of two African wild dogs have denned on the eastern side of Pom Pom Camp, beside an emerald green floodplain. They have eight offspring about one and a half months old, and these adorable puppies have started eating meat in addition to suckling. This means they venture out from the den fairly often, begging their parents for a regurgitated dinner.
The two adult dogs favoured the floodplains as their feeding grounds and often killed the semi-aquatic Red lechwe antelope (though the fresh grasses attracted Blue wildebeest, Plains zebra and plenty of Tsessebe too). The alpha male looked skinny and run down at the start of the month, but once the female rejoined him on the hunt, making the work a little easier, he quickly regained his health and strength.
Lots of leopard sightings
Leopard sightings were off the charts, and we sent many a happy guest home with fabulous photographs. On some days, we located three leopards at different places in one drive. An adult female was seen frequently around the Pom Pom Camp area with her subadult cub, and one day a boat cruise became indefinitely delayed as guests followed a leopard hunt on the way to the boat station. Brown snake-eagles, Black-chested snake-eagles, and Black-shouldered kites meanwhile patrolled the skies.
The Pom Pom pride (four adult lionesses and one male) has ten cubs between the three mothers. These cubs are roughly three months old, and the pride doesn’t have a permanent den anymore because the cubs have already started eating meat. They were seen almost daily at different places and often hunting.
Slow down on a boating safari and see lions
The floods arrived in early May, and mokoro trips departed from the front of camp this month. Gliding silently through the lagoon, we saw plenty of water birds, including African jacanas, Spur-winged geese, Egyptian geese, Pied kingfishers, African fish eagles, Malachite kingfishers and Black-winged stilts. We also accidentally flushed a Pel’s Fishing Owl from its perch.
This new water was so gin-clear one could see the waterlilies unfurling from the floor, twisting towards the sunshine where the lily pads will open soon. The dry pools likewise filled with the flood water, transforming them back into shallow lagoons, and hippos quickly made a home in these refreshed pools. From the boat cruise, we saw them spewing water from their noses and opening their wide jaws, baring extended tusks. Enormous Nile crocodiles, African elephants, Red lechwes, Plains zebra and Cape buffalo, were also spotted.
One afternoon, vultures drinking from the water’s edge drew us to a lion sighting on an island. A mother lion had killed a zebra, and her two cubs happily feasted on her hard work. The zebra often waded rather fearlessly into the waters, and one could hear the splashing as they crossed from island to island in front of camp.
Birdlife on your doorstep
Scanning the Okavango Delta from the porch in front of each luxury tent proved rewarding. Bushbuck and warthogs scuffled the leaves below the elevated deck, and Tree squirrels scurried up and down the riverine trees. At the same time, African golden orioles, Crested and Black-collared barbets and Green pigeons hopped about the upper boughs. On the water, Striped kingfishers and African darters perched on the last dry branches sticking out of the water. One night, a teeny tiny Pearl-spotted owlet flew in to visit the fireplace before the guests relocated to the dinner table.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the location of either rhino or pangolin sightings. Accompanying pictures are from our Kwando Photo Library which consists of all your great photo submissions over the years, it may not be the most up to date, but we felt it was worthy of a feature alongside this month’s Sightings Report!)
A pack of five African wild dogs has moved into the Kwando Private Reserve and chosen the abundant Lebala plains for denning.
Sitting northwest of Lebala Camp on the western fringe of the aptly-named Wild Dog Pan, the den was located by our guides after dedicated tracking. It is a very sensitive time for the pack, and we have given them lots of space, observing their habits and progress from a considered distance as they prepare for life with pups. Evidence shows that the Brown hyena den is still active because its tracks were observed daily, but this special species proved elusive to the eye.
New males in charge of the pride?
The Wapoka pride is still alive and well, but with the absence of Old Gun and his brother Sebastian the strength is significantly down.
We suspect these males might have moved to a new area because we haven’t seen them in two months. Instead, the Golden Boys have taken over their legacy. Cub numbers have increased to twelve, and the pride is intensifying its family bonds. The lionesses have been incredibly successful and taken down buffalos, warthogs, Red lechwe, and of recent Eland, too, thanks to the added brawn of the three dominant Golden Boys.
Our beloved cleaners of the environment accompanied the lions and often alerted us to their movements as Whited-backed and Hooded vultures flew from one carcass to another. These birds were rarely alone and kept the company of Marabou storks and Black-backed jackals that all fought to salvage the last remains.
The increase in lion numbers has seen the leopards grow stealthier. However, we delightedly followed a male leopard patrolling the marshlands. He was understandably cautious in his movements and avoided the fringes where lions called frequently.
Elephants crossing
There has been an increased number of general game along the riversides and floodplains as the natural waterholes (such as Nari Pan, Steve’s Pan and Norman’s Pan) dried up in the surrounding savanna woodland. More elephant groups assembled at the river to drink, and as they returned to the woodlands for the night, they frequently funnelled through Lebala Camp, taking their sweet time and sometimes blocking traffic to the guest rooms. It has become very normal, and we simply wait for them to clear off, and then life goes on!
Under the safety of experienced Kwando guides, our guests approached several general game species on foot, including Greater kudus, Blue wildebeest, Impalas and Red lechwe. On foot, we also noticed how African elephants have already started shaping the environment due to their increasing feeding in the area. They frequently break down trees and tree branches. During this season, Fever berry trees have been the most affected, losing plenty of their scrumptious leaves to the elephants.
The foliage that hasn’t been foraged by animals has been plucked off by colder, westerly winds which blew through the trees. All of this prepares for the next season and aids in reopening the landscape. Soon the coming heat will completely dry it up.
I’ll have a civet with my coffee, please
Spotted hyenas relished the feeding opportunity presented by an elephant carcass north of the camp. Some of our best nocturnal sightings were African wild cats, Civets, genets, and porcupines. An Aardwolf was spotted twice this month, and one morning, we spotted a Civet strolling near the swimming pool as we enjoyed morning coffee at the fire.
An African Rock python was spotted before dinner, heading toward the river and crossing the path just before room eight.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the location of either rhino or pangolin sightings. Accompanying pictures are from our Kwando Photo Library which consists of all your great photo submissions over the years, it may not be the most up to date, but we felt it was worthy of a feature alongside this month’s Sightings Report!)
As the pans dry up and the greens give way to gold, we gear up for some of the most productive wildlife viewing months. Most of the trees, especially the Silver terminalia and Kalahari apple leave trees, have already lost their leaves, and the grasses have dried up.
Winter is the best time for night drives
Sightings of aardwolves have been excellent across the Kwando Private Reserve, and guides uncovered two different burrows being used as dens. However, the sighting of all sightings had to be witnessing a pair of aardwolves mating along James Road.
Civet sightings were also fantastic, and we watched them feeding on ripening Jackalberries along Upper Kwando Road. Genets, Springhares, Bat-eared foxes and Scrub hares also entertained us thoroughly during night drives.
Elephants were found on almost every game drive, but let’s be frank, guests never had to venture far to see hordes of these pachyderms. One afternoon we counted over a hundred elephants moving towards the Kwando River for an afternoon dip and sip. As always, the room deck makes a relaxing vantage point to drink in the sight of these migrating mammals.
General game was equally prolific, with herds of Giraffe, Impala, Kudu, Tsessebe, Plains zebra and more crisscrossing the Kwando Private Reserve in search of fodder. We particularly enjoyed spending time with a small herd of Roan antelopes. This vast concentration of game attracted the attention of large predators.
Three packs of Painted wolves
We’ve enjoyed the company of three different packs of Painted wolves this month. A pack of five African wild dogs roamed the area around Lagoon Camp. The alpha female of this small group was heavily pregnant, and we last saw them hunting along Maheke, disappearing into the thick and enshrouding Mopane forest. Another group of three wild dogs hunted our area and frequently travelled between us and the Lebala region.
Meanwhile, the resident Lagoon pack took down a fully-grown female kudu at Kwena Lagoon. We tracked them after their frenzied feast upon the antelope, and they led us to their new den! The pack has been incredibly successful, and their puppies emerged from the burrow well-fed towards the end of the month.
Our guides located two cheetah brothers this month and guests watched in awe as they chased down an impala. We then discovered a different coalition of three males moving through the reserve.
Leopards leaving the nest
On several occasions, a female leopard was seen with her subadult male offspring, and we suspect she has been training them for the hunt. They fed well on male impalas, but on close inspection of the tracks at her kill sites, guides noticed she had also lost her fair share of carcasses to Spotted hyenas and lions. Another subadult male leopard was seen moving alone, having been booted from his mother’s territory. His speciality has been hunting Helmeted guinea fowl. Another relaxed male leopard was also seen in the area.
Nile crocodiles lazed on the shores of Halfway Pan, and we found many Water monitor lizards during our boat cruises and around the camp. Ostriches, lilac-breasted rollers, African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks, African spoonbills
The Holy Pride of lions was about, but the group operated only as far as Halfway pan because the northern males have pushed our resident coalition southeast, more towards Lebala Camp. The Mma Dikolobe pride was often seen near Lebala and Johnnie’s pan. One day, we encountered the three Rra Leitho coalition (northern males) mating with the Mmamosetlha pride at the beginning of this month.
Countless tracks prove between the Mopane bushveld area, and the Kwando River had us suspicious. We reckon that the Spotted hyenas are denning in the cover of the thicker woodlands.
For this time of year, some unusually heavy clouds temporarily tampered with our winter stargazing. However, we enjoyed an excellent view of the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn lining up.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the location of either rhino or pangolin sightings. Accompanying pictures are from our Kwando Photo Library which consists of all your great photo submissions over the years, it may not be the most up to date, but we felt it was worthy of a feature alongside this month’s Sightings Report!)
Our highlight this month has to be the surfacing of African wild dog puppies at the Kwara den site! Just over a month old, these cute canids comprise a litter of nine, and they frequently left the burrow to feed on their regurgitated meals.
African wild dogs denning at Kwara
The alpha female rejoined the pack for hunting (instead of babysitting) because it’s been cold and challenging for the group to start hunting early. They often left the den as late as ten in the morning. One day, we followed the pack as they hunted west of Kwara and killed an impala. They chased, cornered, and killed a kudu just west of Mothusi Crossing a few days later. Another afternoon during siesta, guests heard splashing in the Kwara Lagoon and glimpsed the group chasing impala through the water from the deck of tent eight at Kwara Camp.
During a boat cruise, the pack was caught at the edge of the Maunachira Channel in hot pursuit of Red Lechwe, but they quickly disappeared into the papyrus walls. Following each successful hunt, the dogs hurriedly returned to the den to feed the pups. Interestingly, this year the dogs have denned very close to the channel and have often been seen hunting in the afternoons through the flood plains. This strategy has helped keep them away from their usual predators, but it certainly increases the risk of attack by crocodiles, both while they are hunting and the den itself is well within reach of their powerful jaws. During a boat cruise, guides were highly impressed by one spectacular specimen measuring four metres in length. An enormous Southern African python was also spied in these waters.
The Okavango Delta floodwaters still rose slightly, and we noticed water freshly refilled some of the regularly-used vehicle tracks. Buffalo herds have started to emerge in more significant numbers from woodlands. The tall, dry grass has turned a golden brown and broken down with these growing mammal hordes. The proliferation of elephants has significantly opened the thickets and bushes, making sightings of smaller mammals, especially cats, more frequent. Serval, African wild cat, spotted genets, Honey badgers, Civets, Aardwolfs, Springhares, and Porcupines were commonly encountered on evening game drives. One particularly thrilling nightfall, our spotlight illuminated a serval cat on the stalk, and it killed a springhare.
The general game concentrated chiefly on the western side of the reserve, where we saw zebras, wildebeest, Tsessebe, Red lechwe, kudus, Waterbucks, Impalas, and occasionally Sable antelope.
The winter landscape
Large Fever berry and the Leadwood trees changed colour, and the harsh winter brought heavy winds that dropped most leaves. Fortunately, the striking Cat’s claw flaunted its cranberry-red flowers, brightening the Kalahari landscape. This botanical blooms in winter and has an extended taproot to reach the water that sits far below the sandy surface, and it is a critical source of nectar during these colder months.
The Bat-eared fox area remains one of the most beautiful and was preferred by herbivores, although we have started to see a shift as animals move nearer to the Splash region. The resident male cheetah, Mr. Special, liked this prey-abundant area, and we often found him resting on termite mounds or marking his territory. One day, guides trailed his hunt, and he grabbed a baby warthog. Another day, he caught a young impala that had left the herd and walked straight into the cheetah, which acted fast and seized his meal.
Our lion sightings have been dominated by the Kwara Pride, and we repeatedly found two male lions that form part of the coalition of five brothers. They were usually vocal and communicated with the rest of the pride, but we did not see them together as five brothers this month.
Guides picked up lion tracks along Elephant West Road and tracked the pride feasting on a giraffe kill, where they spent two days eating. Guides also found them on buffalo, Red lechwe, and baboon kills, and once attempting to stalk waterbuck. One morning, three male lions were spotted at Mabala-a-Mmoloki heading west. Guides followed them to females of the Kwara pride, but the lionesses did not welcome these males and charged them. Two resident males were spotted in front of Splash Camp, actively roaring and marking territory.
Two lionesses were nursing. We located them resting at Jackal Den junction with four tiny cubs. They relocated from the previous den as the young lions were now strong to walk. Another lioness was discovered with three new cubs, and she crossed into the centre of Sable Island, where they are presumably denning.
A fair number of Spotted hyenas were encountered along Elephant west road as they tried to scavenge from the Kwara Pride’s giraffe kill. Two mothers and cubs played and were active at the Kwara hyena den. Intriguingly, we found one gripping an old elephant foot.
Winter birding is all about the hunt
Many raptors were seen in the area. Eagles such as Martial, Bateleur, Tawny, Brown snake-eagle, Black-chested snake eagle, and terrestrial hunters, such as Southern ground hornbills, Secretary birds, plus a variety of storks have been common throughout the month. Namaqua doves frequented the grasslands along with bounding ostriches and Kori bustards. Pelicans were seen across the flood plains as the water table rose daily, and we witnessed lots of change in the floodplains as the water pushed in. Still, the water birds preferred the drying pans where they dined on the stranded aquatic animals.
A female leopard, apparently a nursing mum, was located at Green Pan on the hunt. Another early-morning game drive kickstarted with a relaxed female leopard walking along the Middle East Pan on Splash camp’s eastern flank. They followed her as she marked her territory until she disappeared into thickets, but she was seen again stalking impalas during an evening drive. Another leopardess was located the following day at Splash Hippos, and there were three different sightings of different leopards on one day at the end of the month. High baboon numbers and increased lion activities across the area have pushed leopards to act more cautiously. However, a male leopard was briefly located by the third bridge at Kwara before disappearing into the long grass, and a female leopard was found a few days later, feeding on an impala at Willie’s Valley. Almost in defiance, the Kwara Island male was spotted at the airstrip, where it rested all day and night.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the location of either rhino or pangolin sightings. Accompanying pictures are from our Kwando Photo Library which consists of all your great photo submissions over the years, it may not be the most up to date, but we felt it was worthy of a feature alongside this month’s Sightings Report!)