The large numbers of African elephants engaging in their water-drinking rituals were particularly striking.
A big breeding herd of Cape buffaloes was also a common sight at the camp waterhole, with the big bull displaying a surprising submissiveness to the elephants. Additionally, we saw lots of oryx near Baines Baobab, sometimes with tiny calves, and numerous springboks feeding on the nutritious grass in the pan, sometimes alongside impalas. Blue wildebeests were a daily sight, and we frequently observed towers of giraffes, sometimes solitary bulls.
The resident pride of four lions was seen several times near the eastern side of the South Camp wildlife waterhole, attempting to hunt wildebeests. Although their attempts were unsuccessful, it was thrilling to observe their strategic moves, such as the lioness leading the hunt and the male lions flanking the prey.
Another mating pair of lions was spied at the waterhole for two consecutive days, engaging in typical courtship behaviours like nuzzling and grooming. Later, the lioness was seen alone closer to camp, a behaviour often observed after mating. Occasionally, we heard their roars in the early morning. Two male lions were also seen around the area, but they soon moved towards the Baines Baobabs, possibly in search of new territory.
Dragonflies flitted above the waterholes, feeding on smaller insects. Spotted hyenas regularly visited the waterhole in the early mornings to quench their thirst. These fascinating creatures were seen several times, often coming to the water every day. Brown hyena tracks were also spotted on the sandy paths leading to Baines Baobab. Along the pan, we frequently saw aardwolves searching for termites.
We had a brief but exciting encounter with a large male leopard on the main road to Baines’ Baobabs before he quickly disappeared into the bush.
Steenboks were commonly found feeding on green leaves and grasses, alone or in pairs. Black-backed jackals fed on dung beetles, sometimes scattering elephant dung to find termites. Bat-eared foxes were also observed cruising on the pan, foraging for harvester termites.
Snakes and the snake-hunters
The April landscape of Nxai Pan was stunning, with its open vistas, acacia and Terminalia trees. As winter approached, many deciduous trees, such as the baobabs, purple pod terminalias, and umbrella thorns, began losing their leaves, quickly changing the scenery. Butterflies, including African monarchs, yellow pansies, scarlet tips, painted ladies, plus dragonfly species such as red baskers, and red-veined dropwings, added colours to the landscape. The Baines’ Baobabs region continued to offer breathtaking views of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. On hot days, the mirage on the pan created the illusion of water in the distance.
We had considerable snake sightings, including a resident puff adder at the lodge, black mambas, and striped-bellied snakes seen feeding on geckos and insects. A rock monitor lizard provided another great reptile sighting along the main road to Baines Baobabs, crawling about in search of food.
Bird-watching sightings included secretarybirds hunting for snakes. The waterholes attracted Cape turtle doves and Burchell’s sandgrouse, providing an impressive aerial display as they came to drink. We also saw lappet-faced and white-backed vultures soaring high, taking advantage of thermals. Other notable birds included marico flycatchers, chat flycatchers, northern black korhaans, double-banded coursers, blacksmith lapwings, and crowned lapwings. The majestic kori bustards, the heaviest flying birds, were also frequently seen.
Antlions in their larval stage ambushed ants, while adult antlions were more commonly seen around the lodge lights.
With short trees, Nxai Pan Camp’s location provided excellent stargazing opportunities, allowing guests to see constellations and planets as they rose. Clear skies on several evenings offered spectacular displays of stars and familiar constellations, including Canopus, Sirius, Scorpio, Taurus, Southern Cross, and Gemini.
(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!)