The guides at Lebala Camp identified a new pack of eight African wild dogs. Their exciting pursuit of impalas towards the camp along Monyomba Road gave guests an unforgettable game drive.
Tracking them to Lion Road revealed their successful kill of a subadult male kudu, and we observed their animated feeding ritual. African wild dogs are skilled and efficient hunters. They mainly hunt medium-sized antelopes but can take down larger prey like wildebeests. They often chase their prey long distances, relying on stamina and teamwork to exhaust the animals.
Another highlight was observing a pair of lionesses with five subadults scavenging a zebra carcass in the tall grasslands between Crane Road and James’s Link Road. Later, three male lions and three lionesses, accompanied by nine subadults, were spotted roaring together before proceeding into hunting mode. This is always a heart-thumping moment to witness in the wild as the sun sets and darkness consumes the landscape.
The lions successfully killed a common reedbuck in the marsh, but the males dominated the spoils while the lionesses and subadults missed out. Additionally, we saw the Stricker pride comprising two lionesses and their five subadults devouring a male wildebeest, growling and playfully chasing each other.
The spotted residents of Lebala
Two female leopards made kills. One led her cubs to the feast, indicating their hidden whereabouts, and we enjoyed some incredible encounters with the trio. The other was found with one cub, gradually overcoming its shyness as they feasted.
On one morning game drive, we saw four spotted hyenas feasting on an impala carcass left behind by African wild dogs on the main road west of Twin Pools. Captivating flocks of white pelicans, yellow-billed and saddle-billed storks, and marabou storks also gathered at Twin Pools, attracted by the abundance of trapped fish.
Due to the increased activity of other predators in the area, the cheetahs wisely chose to stay away from the vicinity.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the precise 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!)