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Month: June 2024

4 Rivers Camp, June 2024

One day, eleven hyenas, known for their opportunistic hunting, chased a herd of about thirty plains zebras. However, they abruptly shifted their focus to a breeding herd of elephants.

The chase continued for nearly an hour before the hyenas, thwarted by the rising heat, abandoned their pursuit and retreated to the shade of the Kalahari star apple bushes for the day.

Wild dogs denning? The search intensifies

The area around 4 Rivers Camp boasted a healthy population of spotted hyenas, often seen during early morning and late evening drives, and a pack of seven wild dogs offered regular sightings during June. Notably, the alpha female went missing, leading us to believe the pack might be denning nearby. Their recent movements were concentrated north of 4 Rivers Camp, and we eagerly anticipated the discovery of their den. The guides redoubled their tracking efforts, check in for the July edition for more details…

A resident female leopard was frequently seen stalking impalas and taking down prey, such as a common reedbuck lamb west of 4 Rivers Camp. On one occasion, she and her six-month-old cub were flushed from a kill by a group of eight lions! This forced them to seek refuge in a nearby tree. The tension in the air was palpable as our guests watched in awe from the game drive vehicle at this remarkable display of survival instincts.

Lion prides and coalitions around 4 Rivers Camp

Several different lion prides and coalitions were regularly spotted within and around the camp during morning and afternoon safaris. Highlights included the Sedudu Pride with three adult females and three subadult males, the ‘Two Boys’ coalition dominating the west. They were frequently seen around the marshy areas to the east and south of camp. Additionally, three adult females patrolled near the camp and into the Mopane woodlands, while a solitary female was observed on Maboa Island. Towards Paradise, we tracked three resident males with a large female and her two offspring.

Whilst the grass on the mainland dried out the trees remained lush and green, especially along the riverine areas where the daily influx of floods attracted more and more game. The safari camp area was rich with wildlife, with large herds of elephants and plains teeming with a variety of herbivores, including zebras, common reedbucks, red lechwes, impalas, giraffes, African buffalos, tsessebes, chacma baboons, vervet monkeys, greater kudus, common waterbucks, blue wildebeests, steenboks, sable and roan antelopes, and hippos.

The camp was busy with life despite the winter chill. A black mamba was discovered near the kitchen, with starlings mobbing the snake, alerting us to its presence. Additionally, a crocodile was often seen basking on the sandbank in front of the firepit, soaking up the sun. A resident African civet was frequently seen between tents 8 and 9 during late evening safaris. During these night drives, we also had great views of springhares, honey badgers, and genet cats.

Night sky 4 Rivers Camp Okavango

The night skies were breathtaking, offering clear views of prominent constellations and stars. Guests marvelled at the Milky Way, Orion’s Belt and Scorpio while spotting Canopus in the constellation of Carina, Sirius in Canis Major, and the two pointer stars, Alpha and Beta Centauri. The frequent shooting stars added an extra touch of magic to our stargazing sessions!

(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!)

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Tau Pan Camp, June 2024

We witnessed a thrilling encounter — a leopard hunting a bat-eared fox right in front of our vehicle. The fox didn’t stand a chance, and the leopard proudly carried its meal into the bushes, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

Later in the month, a female leopard was spotted atop a tree, scanning the landscape with her piercing eyes — a majestic predator surveying her kingdom. We also followed the trail of a leopard from camp to the northern firebreak. The tracks led us along the airstrip before vanishing, only to be rediscovered on Aardvark Road. We finally spotted the elusive cat stalking a steenbok, moving silently through the bush.

In June, the golden sands of the dunes shimmered in the Tau Pan sunlight and the plains were dotted with hardy grasses like Kalahari sand quick and Bushman love grass. These plants sustain the hidden ecosystems of ants, termites, and mole rats beneath the surface. The resilient Vachellia and Senegalia trees stood tall and green against the dry backdrop, while the middle route to Deception Valley, still touched by the last rains, offered lush green patches that hinted at the rejuvenation to come. Despite the challenges of limited rainfall, general game sightings were excellent in this area. We encountered herds of gemsbok, red hartebeest, warthogs, giraffes, black-backed jackals, and kudus, all drawn to the remaining greenery.

One day, a familiar male lion known for his fierce dominance over younger males in the Tau Pan Pride was seen sprinting toward the camp. The chase was on! This big male relentlessly pursued a subadult male, eventually driving him westward across Tau Pan. Victorious, the male returned to his lionesses, asserting his dominance once again as they made their way to the waterhole.

Following the tracks of 24 lions that had crossed the northern firebreak, guests scored a front-row seat to the art of tracking in the semi-arid desert and persistence paid off. Excitement filled the air as we pieced together the movements of the pride, their trail revealing their location.

Later in the month, camp buzzed with anticipation when a subadult male lion and his father, a dominant male, were spotted feasting on a giraffe carcass. This dramatic scene unfolded for several days, with scavengers circling and adding to the tension. We tracked another subadult lion along the cutline road and discovered a lioness feeding on a gemsbok carcass.

Lion hunting gemsbok

A lone cheetah was seen resting by the bushes at Tau Pan, only to be chased off by a group of gemsbok. The elegant cat disappeared into the bush, leaving us on the edge of our seats. But our patience was rewarded later when we saw more subadult cheetahs moving through the area. A mother cheetah with three playful cubs was spotted heading north from the camp, a delightful scene as the young cubs honed their hunting skills under their mother’s watchful eye.

Brown hyena visits the Tau Pan waterhole

We were treated to a rare sighting of a brown hyena drinking at the waterhole — an unusual visual of these typically nocturnal scavengers. While hyena tracks are often found, the creatures themselves are elusive, adding a layer of mystery to their role in the Tau Pan ecosystem.

A regular highlight of the month was the nature walks led by San trackers. Guests were captivated as they shared the rich cultural heritage of the bushman people, demonstrating traditional survival skills like sourcing food and making fire with natural materials.

Pale chanting goshawks were particularly active, and one was seen swooping down to catch a Burchell’s sandgrouse in mid-flight. The precision of the hunt was breathtaking, and other goshawks soon joined the fray, almost causing the hunter to drop its prey. Around the waterhole, tawny eagles, bateleur eagles, and gabar goshawks showcased their hunting prowess, making the skies above Tau Pan a constant spectacle. African monarch butterflies flitted through the air while ground beetles, water scorpions, and dragonflies buzzed around the reservoir. Yellow and slender mongooses also dashed about, energetically searching for prey. A lone leopard tortoise was a slow but determined traveller across the sandy terrain, embodying the tenacity of life in the Kalahari.

June’s clear skies provided perfect stargazing conditions, with constellations like the Southern Cross, Scorpio, and Canis Major shining brightly. Stars like Canopus and Sirius dotted the heavens, while the Milky Way stretched across the night sky, casting a magical glow over Tau Pan. Shooting stars punctuated the nights, offering a fitting close to each day’s adventures.

(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!)

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Moremi Crossing Camp, June 2024

One of the most thrilling moments of the month was witnessing a pride of 17 lions take down a buffalo.

The sheer power and coordination of the pride were on full display, and the drama intensified when a group of spotted hyenas attempted to steal the kill. The lions fiercely defended their prize, chasing the hyenas away in a theatrical display of dominance.

Another particularly memorable and intense moment was when a group of hyenas successfully snatched an impala kill from a leopard.

Boro River flows again and mokoro adventures resume 

Exciting news for Moremi Crossing — the Boro River channel began flowing again towards the end of the month. Mokoro excursions took place again on the winding waters. The landscape was revitalized, and abundant food was brought in for the wildlife. Herds of buffalo, zebra, and giraffe were common, with large groups of wildebeest and zebra gathering around the waterholes in the afternoons, creating picturesque scenes of Botswana’s wildlife. The flowing river was also a particular lifeline for crocodiles, confined to waterholes during the dry spell. Seeing these formidable reptiles basking in the sun is always a crowd-pleaser.

Tracking African wild dogs Moremi

The African wild dogs were on the move, and we tracked a pack of 22 not far from camp. Following these agile hunters as they coordinated their chase and ultimately made a kill was exhilarating!

The resident female leopard and her year-old cub were often sighted around the Sebanda area. Additionally, a young male leopard made occasional appearances.

Lion activity was nothing short of spectacular, and our guests were thrilled by these close encounters with Africa’s apex predators. The pride of 17 lions was incredibly active, and we frequently saw a pair of majestic male lions and three young males patrolling the Gunn’s Private Concession. The occasional appearance of other lion prides passing through to Moremi Game Reserve added even more excitement to our sightings. There were also a number of cheetah sightings.

Wild Wonders: Pel’s fishing owl and nature walks 

The Pel’s fishing owl has become a familiar sight around camp, while the majestic African Fish Eagle captivated guests with its impressive hunting displays. The air was filled with the calls of robin chats and bee-eaters, and there were regular sightings of wattled cranes.

Zebra Moremi Crossing

The scenery at Moremi Crossing is a beautiful mix of palm trees and tall termite mounds scattered across the plains. On nature walks, the elaborate structures of anthills and the intriguing behaviours of termites were significant points of interest. Guests had the opportunity to deeply connect with the environment in a personal way.

(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!)

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Dinare Camps, June 2024

Cheetah sightings were spectacular. The coalition of four brothers, known for their movements between the Dinare Private Reserve and Moremi Game Reserve, spent significant time with our guests.

Tracking these agile predators often required patience and the keen expertise of our guides, but the rewards were always well worth the effort. During one afternoon game drive, we located the thrilling sight of these cheetahs successfully hunting an impala. The coalition’s presence in the area provided countless other photographic opportunities, as they were often seen posing gracefully or engaging in high-speed pursuits.

Unusual wild dog denning at Dinare

Both camps recorded multiple encounters with African wild dogs, thanks to the discovery of wild dog dens on the eastern side of Rra Dinare, less than two kilometres from a spotted hyena den.

The pack of 19 wild dogs displayed unusual behaviour by establishing three dens within 200 meters of each other. Sadly, one of the females was found dead near the den site, but the presence of the dens suggests that new pups may soon be appearing, much to our anticipation.

A water-filled Gomoti River landscape

The annual floods transformed the area, with the Gomoti River channel rising and spilling over its banks. Water flowed through both camps, creating a lush, verdant environment. New grass shoots emerged, providing fresh grazing for herbivores. This natural spectacle offered stunning views from the main lounge deck, and mokoro excursions were a standout activity, with guests exploring the flooded channels and encountering animals from a unique and adventurous perspective.

Dinare Landscape Okavango Delta

The rising floods attracted various water birds, with a particularly noticeable increase in wattled cranes. Memorable sightings included grey herons, African fish eagles, and the elusive lesser jacana. Resident eagles, such as tawny, martial, and African hawk eagles, were also spotted throughout the month, adding to the rich avian diversity.

Lions and leopards of Dinare

The Gomoti Pride successfully took down a Cape buffalo, providing guests with a front-row seat to the pride feeding for three consecutive days between the camps. Vultures, including white-backed, hooded, and white-headed, were frequently seen scavenging on the carcass.

The lioness Mma-Tsebe and her five-month-old cubs were frequently spotted on the eastern side of Mma Dinare, adding a touch of tenderness to the otherwise fierce displays of power. The coalition of three brothers, known as the Gomoti Boys, were also active in the area, at one point stealing an impala kill from two unknown females. An unidentified pride of six lions was also sighted along Matotse Road, northeast of Mma Dinare, keeping the excitement levels high throughout the month.

Dinare Camp Lions

The resident male leopard, Rra Lebodu, was seen mating with a female along Maporota Road near Mma Dinare, while another female leopard and her 11-month-old cub were spotted feeding on an impala kill near Rra Dinare Camp.

A particularly intense moment occurred when two female leopards engaged in a territorial fight along the river between the camps. Rra Lebodu also provided an unforgettable experience when he was observed taking down a kudu after a couple of hours of tracking, showcasing the stealth and strength of leopards in their natural habitat.

Hyena sightings were extremely rewarding, with a den on the eastern side of our camps. Guests observed six cubs and ten adults, relaxed and unbothered by our presence. The hyenas were often seen on the move, particularly at night, and frequently spotted near kills, showcasing their role as opportunistic scavengers in the ecosystem.

With the Gomoti River being the only reliable water source as the dry season progresses, large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and kudus were seen regularly along the shores. Large crocodiles basked in the sun along the floodplains during game drives. The hippo pool near the camp was another highlight, with the hefty herbivores often emerging from the water during evening sundowners, providing a perfect ending to the day.

At night, black-backed jackals were the most common, often seen near kills or carcasses. Honey badgers, aardwolves, serval cats, and wildcats were also observed.

(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!)

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Nxai Pan Camp, June 2024

The dry season funnelled animals toward the waterholes of Nxai Pan, drawing predators in close.

The resident pride of five lionesses were seen frequently often attempting to ambush prey like greater kudus and wildebeests.

The dry season’s hold on the landscape created a stark, skeletal beauty. Deciduous trees shed their leaves, standing bare against the vast sky. Dust devils twirled through the loose soil, and although the grass had dried out, it still provided much-needed sustenance for the wildlife.

The open terrain of Nxai Pan made hunting difficult, but the resident pride of five lionesses were determined and never gave up. They used patience and strategy, often seen mating with a large male who visited the wildlife waterhole. The rest of the pride moved west of camp, keeping a close eye on their surroundings.

On the eastern side of the pan, two male lions were a force to be reckoned with. The sharp, focused stares of zebras and kudus often betrayed their presence. These animals knew when the kings of the savanna were near, and their behaviour usually led our trackers straight to the lions.

Three thriving aardwolf dens

Three spotted hyenas visited the camp waterhole early one morning. Although no brown hyenas were seen, tracks indicated they were moving through the area. The real highlight, however, was the aardwolves. Three active dens were identified — one each on the west road, Baobab loop road, and middle road — and these fascinating creatures have become a consistent sight, often seen sitting by their dens or foraging in the late afternoon.

Elephants at nxai pan

As usual, there were still big herds of elephants at the waterhole. Black-backed jackals were especially plentiful too, with up to 20 spotted daily. These opportunistic scavengers chased Cape turtle doves and helmeted guinea fowls at the waterholes and dug through dry elephant dung for termites. Despite the cooler weather, June brought a surprising variety of insects. Butterflies like the African monarch, yellow pansy, and brown-veined butterflies added splashes of colour to the otherwise muted landscape. Spiders were also on the move, with community nest spiders, golden orb-web spiders, and baboon spiders making appearances, weaving their webs across the dry brush.

Busy honey badgers and clever goshawks

Honey badgers were also common, particularly near the Hatab campsite, where they energetically dug for mice and beetles. Pale chanting goshawks regularly followed honey badgers, eagerly waiting to snatch up any escaping prey. The mighty Kori bustards, Africa’s heaviest flying birds, continued to awe guests with their impressive takeoffs. We also enjoyed frequent sightings of red-crested and northern black korhaans, ostriches, and various vultures, including lappet-faced and white-backed vultures. Secretary birds, with their long legs and graceful strut, patrolled the plains in search of snakes and rodents, while helmeted guinea fowls filled the early mornings with their bustling activity before settling to roost as the sunset.

Leopards have a way of leaving their presence felt without being seen. Fresh leopard tracks appeared regularly along the main road to Baines’ Baobabs and even within the camp itself, teasing us with the knowledge that these stealthy hunters were nearby, silently observing their domain. Cheetah tracks also hinted at their passage through the area. However, they blended seamlessly into the dry veld.

Crisp, clear nights provided unforgettable stargazing. The skies lit up with constellations like Scorpio, Southern Cross, Centaurus, Libra, and Leo, each shining brilliantly against the inky backdrop. Prominent stars such as Sirius, Canopus, Alpha Centauri, Aldebaran, and Betelgeuse dazzled too.

Cold-blooded creatures like snakes and lizards took advantage of the sun. A cape cobra basked on the West Road, its sleek form coiled in the daylight, while a rock monitor lizard became a regular feature near the airstrip road, often spotted soaking up the midday warmth. These sunbathing rituals were a reminder of how all creatures, great and small, adapt to the changing seasons.

(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!)

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Pom Pom Camp, June 2024

Guests were treated to the unique and rewarding experience of fleeting aardvark encounters shortly after dark.

Just last week, we spotted two aardvarks in different parts of the area. On another drive, an aardwolf was found sheltering in a culvert by the runway.

The Pom Pom Pack

Pom Pom’s resident African wild dog pack chose to den within the camp’s vicinity this month, making sightings of these endangered predators a frequent and thrilling event.

Two females in the pack recently gave birth — one to six puppies, the other to eight  — making the den a hive of activity. The playful antics of the pups, combined with the high-energy hunts of the adults, offered guests an intimate look into the lives of these social and spirited animals. Their constant presence nearby ensured that every game drive held the possibility of encountering this remarkable pack.

Wild dogs pom pom

Pom Pom continued to prove itself as a leopard haven, with sightings on almost every drive — morning and afternoon. Mornings and evenings were crisp with temperatures dropping to around 10-12°C. Guests found comfort in “bush babies” (hot water bottles) for use during the game drives and stayed warm while experiencing the wonders of the wilderness.

Two resident females, each with three cubs around four months old, were frequent stars and multiple leopards in a single drive were a regular occurrence, with these elusive cats either stalking prey or lounging in the shade of a large tree.

Pom Pom Camp is also home to an astonishing number of spotted hyenas (aardwolves are also part of the hyena family), especially compared to other regions. It’s not unusual to see nearly 20 hyenas at a time, particularly when they’re trying to raid lion kills, especially those without the protection of dominant male lions.

These wily creatures were often seen trailing behind hunting African wild dogs or attempting to shoplift kills. This month, their audacity was fully displayed, with tense and often violent interactions between hyenas and other predators.

Young hunters in training

As the dry season deepened, the floodplains around Pom Pom Camp came alive with wildlife. Pom Pom, located at the head of the Xudum channel and on the western edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, was home to elephants that splashed through the channels, large herds of zebras, wildebeests, tsessebes, kudus, impalas, and the aquatic red lechwe. Large herds of herbivores converged, drawn by the remaining water sources, and where prey gathered, predators were never far behind.

Lechwe Okavango

A mother cheetah with her three subadult cubs became another regular feature of our safaris, with guests spotting them twice a week. These young cheetahs, still learning the art of the hunt, were seen feasting on red lechwe and warthog kills, showing signs of becoming proficient hunters. Alongside this family, two solitary cheetahs were spotted, demonstrating impressive hunting skills.  

Among the most thrilling sights this month were the resident lions, particularly lionesses with cubs born in June. Some of these young cubs, barely eight weeks old, were seen exploring their new world, learning the ways of lion life. The floodplains, rich with prey, provided a perfect training ground for these little ones.

A surge of raptors soared above the floodplains. Martial eagles, brown snake eagles, and tawny eagles patrolled the skies, their sharp eyes scanning the plains for prey. The arrival of the floodwaters created the perfect environment for the Pel’s fishing owl, a much sought-after species by avid birdwatchers.

(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!)

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Lebala Camp, June 2024

One fresh June morning, the air near camp trembled with the echoes of roaring lions.

Moving cautiously, stopping to listen, we heard the unmistakable sound of a struggle in the distance. Upon arrival, we saw a leopard perched high in a tree, gripping an antelope carcass while a lioness circled below. It seemed the lioness had tried — and failed — to steal the kill. Across the channel, male lions roared in response, their calls reverberating through the bush.

Stolen sitatungas and cute lion cubs 

In another part of the concession, a young male leopard had dragged his sitatunga kill onto a low-hanging branch. Below, a lioness prowled, eager but thwarted by the tree’s height. His mother, perched in a nearby tree, kept a vigilant eye on the scene. Such moments of raw tension and beauty underscore the growing leopard population in the area — an encouraging sign of a thriving ecosystem.

We recently confirmed the presence of five lion cubs — two from one female and three from another. It’s been a joy to watch these cubs play under the watchful eyes of the big males. The male lions have been active on the southern side, occasionally rejoining the pride and then moving north to check on the females with cubs.

June marked the beginning of the floodwaters trickling into the marsh — a welcome transformation, even if gradual.

Lebala Camp Kwando floodplains

Elephants enjoyed mud baths in the remaining waterholes, while male buffalos, less frequently seen, appeared along the channel. Giraffes were a common sight, moving in large numbers between the marsh and inland areas. We also spotted eland antelope on the inland side and zebras near the waterholes, often in large herds mixed with wildebeest. In the quieter corners of the bush, we saw aardwolves, bat-eared foxes, and servals. Near Skimmer Pan, a pair of aardwolves became frequent sightings, and during night drives, springhares dotted the landscape, their quick, bounding movements adding a touch of charm to the twilight savannah. One of our highlights was a serene encounter with a civet, calmly observing us from the shadows.

We encountered lions numerous times, often tracking them from the previous night’s footprints. One memorable morning, after about 30 minutes of following fresh tracks, we found the pride heading towards the marsh area. We were thrilled as one lioness broke into a high-speed chase after a red lechwe. Although the hunt was unsuccessful, watching the lions navigate the small water channels and get deeper into the marsh was captivating.

The pride spent much of their time in the marsh area, where we frequently observed their hunting attempts. Though many hunts were unsuccessful, we witnessed one young subadult lion successfully catch a young red lechwe and, in a cunning move, run into the marsh to eat it alone, away from the pride.

The little leopards of Lebala 

We observed two female leopards in different locations, both showing signs of lactating. One morning, while tracking a male leopard, fresh female tracks led us off course. After an hour of patient pursuit, we found her lounging near a blue bush, her muscles rippling under the morning light. As she climbed a nearby sausage tree, our gaze followed a trail of bloodstains, leading us to her hidden prize — an aardwolf carcass. After feeding, she vanished into the thick undergrowth, softly calling for her cub. Moments later, a tiny figure emerged, no more than three months old, and we watched in quiet awe as the pair reunited.

Leopards at Lebala Camp

We caught fleeting glimpses of African wild dogs, their sleek forms slicing through the bush as they pursued prey before disappearing into the wilderness. The woodland areas echoed with the calls of swallow-tailed bee-eaters, their vibrant colours adding a splash of brightness to the wintery bush.

June brought increased sightings of spotted hyenas, particularly near what appears to be a new den. Two playful cubs were spotted under the protective eyes of the adults, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the lives of these much-misunderstood animals.

Two male cheetahs continued to patrol their territory, primarily favouring the inland areas. Although their hunts didn’t always succeed, the open marshlands have become one of the male’s preferred hunting grounds. We often located them by tracking their movements to known marking posts, which helped guides and trackers overcome the challenge of hard ground where the spoor was difficult to see.

(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!)

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Lagoon Camp, June 2024

June roared to life as two male lions claimed their territory along Bee Eaters Road, their calls echoing through the early morning air.

Not far from Lagoon Camp, a group of lionesses soaked up the sun’s warmth, their regal forms a contrast to the chaos that would soon unfold. The Holy Pride lived up to its formidable reputation, making an unforgettable appearance right by the workshop, bringing down an impala. Tensions escalated when the pride clashed with a lone lioness fiercely defending her cubs, a reminder that survival is often a battle of will in the wild.

With pride sizes fluctuating between 8 and 18 members, these apex predators ensured every safari left guests in awe. Throughout the month, lions were spotted across various locations — Muddy Waters, Main Road, Airstrip Road, and Marsh Road — feasting on an elephant carcass or skillfully taking down a red lechwe.

Each leopard sighting was more captivating than the last. Morning and afternoon drives regularly rewarded guests with glimpses of leopards along Main Road, Dithakadu Road, and 1st Lagoon. One especially unforgettable encounter featured a subadult female leopard elegantly perched in a tree, scanning her surroundings. Early in the month, two subadult leopards finished off an impala kill along the riverbank, a meal their mother had caught. These elusive cats were also spotted feeding on an elephant carcass.

Leopard Kwando

However, the month ended on a sombre note with the tragic loss of Mma Mazabuka, a beloved leopard, who was killed by a lion. Her cubs, still too young to survive alone, were discovered nearby, along with a carcass secured in a tree. It was a heart-wrenching end to an otherwise exciting month of leopard encounters and a haunting reminder of the unforgiving nature of the wild.

Colourful bee-eaters and swift cheetahs

Martial eagles, vultures, secretary birds, tawny eagles, and brown snake eagles soared through the skies. Meanwhile, ostriches strutted through the plains around Muddy Waters and 1st Lagoon. In their vibrant hues, Bee-eaters flitted through the trees, adding splashes of colour and delighting novice and experienced birders.

June began with a fleeting encounter with a shy male cheetah on Ipelege Road, who melted into the surrounding bush as quickly as he appeared. But as the days passed, cheetah sightings grew more exciting. Two well-fed males were spotted near Fallen Baobab, having successfully taken down an impala. A mother with two six-month-old cubs was observed sharing a meal, an impala kill. A pair of brother cheetahs, seen at the junction of Maheke and Zebra Road, rounded out an impressive month of cheetah encounters, proving that Lagoon Camp is as much their domain as it is the lions’.

African wild dog sightings were limited, with only one sighting of a pair along Beetsha Road. However, tracks suggest a much larger pack, possibly 15 to 30 dogs, moving through Maheke Road from the woodland areas to hunt before retreating back into the Mopane.

So much to see at Lagoon Camp

Elephants, giraffes, and hippos dominated the landscape around Lagoon Camp, with herds of elephants making their majestic trek to the Kwando River, often passing by during brunch. Elands graced Main Road, while side-striped jackals became familiar near the camp firebreak. Water Affairs became a bustling hub of hippo activity, while zebra herds frequented Bothapa Tlou Pan and nearby areas. Pythons, water monitors, rock woodland lizards, and crocodiles regularly, particularly around 1st Lagoon, Muddy Waters, and Water Affairs Island. Basking in the winter sun, these reptiles took full advantage of the cooler temperatures.

Night drives revealed the hidden world of smaller mammals — civets, bat-eared foxes, porcupines, genets, aardwolves, and even the endangered pangolin. Frequent sightings of steenboks and springhares added to the rich tapestry of nocturnal life that makes the Kwando Private Concession such a magical place. 

(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!)

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Kwara and Splash Camp, June 2024

At Splash Camp, aardwolves were found raising two pups in a den, and serval cats were hunted with precision during night drives.

There were also frequent appearances by bat-eared foxes, African wild cats, honey badgers, civets, genets, and porcupines.

The resident male cheetah at Kwara provided heart-pounding moments, chasing down a male impala only to have his hard-earned kill stolen by opportunistic spotted hyenas. This male was regularly seen hunting near Splash Hippos and Ngorongoro. A female cheetah at Impala Pan was observed feeding on an impala and later attempting an unsuccessful hunt on the southern side of Mangosteen Island.

At Splash, a new male cheetah claimed the territory once ruled by Mr. Special. Specialised in hunting warthogs, his predictable movements made him a regular feature on safari drives, delighting guests with his hunting prowess.

Countless kills, cats and Kwara Lion Pride splits

Abundant herds of buffaloes, elephants, zebras, red lechwes, tsessebes, wildebeests, and giraffes roamed the Kwando Private Concession, providing plenty of prey. Notably, breeding herds of elephants have been seen swimming along the Kwara floodplains and Splash reported sightings of roans, sable antelopes, and significant herds of buffaloes and elephants moving south.

The Kwara Pride has split into two distinct family units. This significant split indicates a change in the pride’s social structure and behaviour. One male patrols around Last Mabala, while his two brothers have been frequently sighted near the Bat-Eared Fox Den. The pride feasted on a giraffe carcass in a scene teeming with drama as two hyenas and countless vultures circled for scraps.

Splash Camp

Meanwhile, the Mma Leitlho Pride dominated the southern side of Ngorongoro Lagoon. We tracked them to the remnants of a red lechwe kill and later feeding on a giraffe calf, alerted to their presence by the alarm calls of side-striped jackals. Near the airstrip, a lone male lion from the Mopane Pride was observed mating with a female before stealing an impala carcass from a leopard.

At Splash Camp, lion sightings were equally spectacular. A northern influx of lions searching for prey led to intense territorial clashes, pushing the resident males and the Mma Leitlho Pride southeast. One new male lion met a tragic end, killed by three Kwara Pride males near the airstrip, highlighting the brutal nature of lion dominance in these areas.

The resident female leopard at Kwara, Sadi, was seen feeding on an impala carcass with her two cubs. Another female with one cub regularly appeared in the southern Ngorongoro Lagoon area. A thrilling leopard battle between two males in the long grass added excitement to our leopard log. One female leopard was even spotted scavenging an elephant carcass on Flame Lily Road, proving survival requires adaptability.

At Splash, a reliable resident female leopard raised her cub in Ngorongoro, but sadly, she lost one of her cubs during the month. New, more elusive leopards were also observed in the area, adding a sense of mystery to the wilderness.

Hyenas at the den 

The resident pack of 21 African wild dogs made a long-awaited return to Kwara after a three-week absence. Meanwhile, a smaller pack of three was seen chasing red lechwe with determination. The same trio, including a collared male, occasionally appeared near Splash Camp.

Spotted hyena activity surged at Kwara, where the southern den was bustled with a new pup, and we witnessed hyenas stealing an impala carcass from a leopard. A group of 12 hyenas was spotted between Flame Lily and One Hippo, suggesting a nearby den. Around Splash Camp’s Tau Island, hyena sightings were equally exciting, with three one-month-old pups and four older pups surrounded by six mothers. Hyenas were also seen scavenging a male giraffe carcass, joined by black-backed jackals in a classic scene of scavenger teamwork.

Crocodiles, geckos, side-striped skinks, and the occasional black mamba were seen. At Splash, water monitor lizards took advantage of the influx of floodwater while birds filled the skies. Flocks of pelicans fed in trapped rivers by the new bridge, joined by yellow-billed storks, wattled cranes, slaty egrets, and African spoonbills.

(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!)

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