Month: July 2024

4 Rivers Camp, July 2024

4 Rivers Camp, July 2024

Published July 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

A pair of Pel’s fishing owls took up residence near the management houses, providing guests with regular sightings.

Other notable birds logged during July included wattle cranes and slaty egrets, saddle-billed storks, pygmy geese, crakes, secretarybirds, and several species of raptors, such as brown snake eagles, bateleurs, and black-chested eagles.

African wild dog sightings were a highlight, with frequent encounters in the western part of the Kwara Private Concession, where red lechwe roam in abundance. One day, we located two wild dogs resting near a freshly killed reedbuck on Maboa Island. However, the most exhilarating moment occurred when we tracked a pack from Mabua Pan, following blood-stained tracks to their den. There, we witnessed the pack regurgitating food for their newborn pups, marking the discovery of a new generation of wild dogs in the 4 Rivers area.

We tracked a male cheetah in the Paradise area, far northwest, feeding on a medium-sized warthog. He quenched his thirst at a nearby water source before resting beneath a large Mopane tree. As the day progressed, our skilled trackers followed him further east, guided by giraffes intensely focused in one direction.

Early in the month, we tracked a female leopard and her cub west of camp. After an hour of following their tracks, we found them resting in a leadwood tree. The cub was busy feeding on a recent kill while the mother lounged lazily, her legs and tail draped over the branches in that classic leopard style.

Another shy female was spotted in the west, quickly retreating into the bushes upon our approach. The resident female and her cub made intermittent appearances, often after we meticulously followed their movements. On the final day of July, a large male leopard was found southwest of camp, feasting on a kill signalled by vultures perched nearby.

But perhaps the most heart-pounding moment came when the resident female leopard found herself in a precarious situation near Queens Spot. While hunting, three lionesses chased her up a tree, forcing these two apex predators into a standoff.

Lion action at 4 Rivers

Three young male lions, newcomers to the area, were spotted far north of the Paradise area. They were full of energy and confidently played and displayed their strength after a hearty meal. Later that day, near Tsum Tsum, a pride of six lions was discovered resting atop a termite mound. Among them were three tiny cubs, only about a month old, and we watched them playfully interact with their mothers. Our guests were the first to witness these new members of the pride!

Throughout the month, lion activity was abundant. A pride of five was spotted west of camp, feasting on a waterbuck kill, while southeast of Tsum Tsum, we located a den site where a lioness had given birth to four cubs. This lioness belongs to a formidable pride of 18 that roams the area. Meanwhile, the Kwara Boys, the dominant coalition in the region, were frequently seen patrolling their territory, maintaining their reign.

July brought large herds of buffalo and elephants from the woodlands down to the water sources. Zebras were in abundance, particularly toward the eastern side of the camp near Paradise, while sightings of roan and sable antelopes, giraffes, impalas, tsessebes, waterbucks, hippos, and red lechwes were plentiful.

Many crocodiles basked along the water’s edge in the 4 Rivers Lediba and Paradise areas. Water monitor lizards were frequently spotted, and a large python was seen near Paradise. Other notable snake sightings included green-spotted bush snakes and black mambas, a reminder of the untamed wildness that defines 4 Rivers.

Night drive sightings and celestial scenery

During one of our night drives, we spotted two servals: one along Kazungula Road and another near the wild dog den.

Hyenas regularly appeared throughout the month, mainly around three elephant carcasses. Early morning and night drives often brought us face-to-face with these cunning scavengers, especially in the northern and western parts of the area. Their tracks were everywhere, a sure sign of their strong presence, though we have yet to pinpoint the location of their den.

Despite occasional smoke from distant fires, the skies remained mostly clear, providing an awe-inspiring backdrop to our evening drives with views of constellations like Scorpio and the Southern Cross.

(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, July 2024

Moremi Crossing Camp, July 2024

Published July 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

Moremi Crossing bore witness to one of the most shocking and unusual events in the wild — a leopardess killed and consumed her own cub.

This rare behaviour left everyone in awe and raised questions about what may have driven her to such an extreme action. Guests and guides spent hours watching and trying to comprehend the motivations behind this heart-wrenching moment.

The dramatic arrival of two new male lions, likely brothers, quickly established their dominance in the area. Their introduction was marked by a bold takedown of a buffalo, thrilling guests and setting the tone for a month of incredible sightings. These two powerful males soon joined a resident pride of two lionesses and four cubs along the Boro River.

As the lionesses and cubs adapted to the presence of these newcomers, guests witnessed the shifting dynamics within the pride. The playfulness of the cubs, the cautious movements of the lionesses, and the commanding presence of the brothers offered a peek into the intricate social structures of lions.

Tender times at the den

Not all moments in the wild are filled with tension and drama. To the east of the camp, near Rra Lopang Crossing, we located a hyena den that quickly became a favourite destination for game drives. Watching the spotted hyena pups play, and suckle from their mother brought smiles and joy to all who visited. Seeing these scavengers at such close range provided a softer side to the hyenas

Sedudu Island was another hotspot this month, as a pack of 16 African wild dogs was found denning there. Morning drives were especially thrilling, with frequent sightings of the pack making kills and returning to regurgitate food for their pups. Observing these efficient hunters in action was a special experience, but watching them shift from fierce predators to caring nurturers was even more remarkable.

Moremi Crossing came to life as the annual floods trickled in from Angola, transforming the riverbanks into lush feeding grounds. One of the standout sightings was the majestic Pel’s fishing owl, perched serenely along the tree line, silently watching over the riverbanks. Kingfishers were another frequent sight, hovering above the water in search of their next meal, while cattle egrets trailed behind herds of buffalo, taking advantage of the insects stirred up by the large mammals.

Moremi Crossing’s rich biodiversity extends to the smallest and most fascinating creatures. During nature walks, guests marvelled at how tiny termites could shape the landscape.

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Dinare Camps, July 2024

Dinare Camps, July 2024

Published July 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

The floodplains of Mma Dinare were a playground for two remarkable coalitions of cheetahs. One is a powerful group of four males, while the other features a mother and her four cubs.

The agility and coordination these predators display as they hunt impalas, baby kudus, and red lechwes were truly a sight to behold. Watching them stalk their prey through the grasses and then explode into a chase was a masterclass in survival for our guests.

At Rra Dinare, the Four Brothers — a well-known coalition of male cheetahs — continued to dominate. Their patrols often brought them close to camp, allowing guests to witness their calm yet determined movements as they marked their territory and searched for prey.

Two wild dog dens and a hyena home at the Dinares

Both camps were fortunate to have a pack denning in the area. At Mma Dinare, we’ve monitored a pack with four pregnant females. The most recent count revealed at least 16 puppies, with more likely hidden away in the den. The sight of the adults returning from a successful hunt to regurgitate food for the puppies has been a heartwarming and educational experience for all who witnessed it.

Similarly, at Rra Dinare, a pack of 7+ adults and 12+ puppies kept guides and trackers on their toes. The puppies, now about a month old, began exploring their surroundings, making every sighting exciting.

The eerie calls of hyenas were a familiar soundtrack at Rra Dinare, where a den with 5+ adults and 7 lively pups was located. These scavengers are highly social creatures, and watching the pups interact with their mothers and siblings provided valuable insight into their complex family structures.

The general game was plentiful with the floodwaters rejuvenating the landscape and drawing large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and zebras to the riverbanks. The lush greenery attracted impalas, tsessebes, giraffes, kudus, waterbucks, and rarer species, like sable and roan antelopes. Aquatic birds such as African jacanas, wattled cranes, and pelicans were spotted frequently.

The rising floodwaters allowed us to resume mokoro excursions, offering guests a tranquil and immersive way to experience the delta’s winding waterways. From the vantage point of these traditional dugout canoes, guests enjoyed seeing African Jacana nests up close, animals bathing in the water and the ever-changing landscape as it blossoms with life. Hippos wallowing in the river and reedbucks grazing along the banks completed the idyllic Okavango scenery.

The lions of the Dinare Private Reserve

Lion activity was equally impressive. At Mma Dinare, a pride of seven lions — three young males and four adult females — were a frequent presence near camp, thanks to the floodwaters hemming them in. The anticipation was palpable as two of the lionesses are heavily pregnant, promising an exciting addition to the pride.

Meanwhile, at Rra Dinare, the formidable River Boys, a coalition of four dominant males, regularly patrolled their territory. These lions, along with a powerful lioness and her three growing cubs, captured the attention of all who visited. The tension between them and neighbouring prides were often recast into dramatic encounters, thrilling guests as they witnessed territorial disputes during game drives.

Though lion activity has been intense this month, reducing the number of leopard sightings, these secretive cats made occasional appearances. In the Nxaraga area near Mma Dinare, a female leopard and her two cubs claimed territory, making for touching sightings as the cubs grow bolder and more independent.

Nighttime adventures along the Gomoti River system

The campgrounds echoed with the calls of giant eagle owls. At Rra Dinare, the elusive male leopard known as Rra Lebodu was spotted a few times, even venturing into camp at night.

During night drives, both camps reported regular encounters with honey badgers, aardwolves, black-backed jackals, small spotted genets, civets, and bat-eared foxes.

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Nxai Pan Camp, July 2024

Nxai Pan Camp, July 2024

Published July 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

We noticed an increase in the number of buffalo, wildebeest, and zebra, indicating that there was still plenty of food to sustain these herds.

The pan, though dry, continued to support a rich diversity of life, drawing animals from far and wide to its nourishing grounds.

The resident lion pride graced the wildlife waterhole and fixated on a herd of springboks. One of the experienced lionesses boldly attempted a hunt, but the nimble springboks managed to escape. Meanwhile, the younger, less experienced subadult lions lounged nearby, keen observers of the hunt, absorbing crucial lessons for their future attempts.

Later in the month, we spotted five lionesses at the Eastern waterhole. Their full bellies hinted at a recent successful hunt, roars echoing across the plains at dawn, asserting their dominance. After a hearty feast, these lions often retreated to the middle of the pan to rest, a behaviour we’ve come to recognize as a signature of their routine.

Nature walks with the pros

The guided bush walks near the camp were not just strolls but enlightening journeys. Guests had the unique opportunity to learn from a seasoned San bushman, who shared his extensive survival knowledge in this semi-arid desert. He demonstrated how to find water, food, and even where to ‘buy’ matches from the bush to start a fire — knowledge passed down through generations. These walks were a deep dive into the ancient wisdom and cultural practices that have sustained people in this challenging desert environment for centuries.

Slender and yellow mongooses scurried about, hunting insects and small rodents. Their industrious foraging was a delightful sight amid the larger drama of Nxai Pan’s wildlife. Guests were treated to an exceptional sighting of a martial eagle feeding on a northern black korhaan and a pale chanting goshawk taking down a Burchell’s sandgrouse.

We spotted a few hardy insect species, including ground beetles and African monarch butterflies. The cold-blooded reptiles, such as snakes, were less active (conserving energy until the warmer, wetter months return); however, we did log the sightings of an olive grass snake, striped skink, and rock monitor lizards.

The journeys to Baines’ Baobabs revealed a savanna dotted with tall grasses, leading to the unforgettable salt pans where ancient trees stand as sentinels of time. These baobabs, some of which are over a thousand years old, are a testament to the resilience of life in this harsh environment and a unique feature of the Nxai Pan landscape.

Fresh leopard tracks were frequently found along the roads, a clear sign that these stealthy predators patrolled the area after dark.

The Nxai Pan night sky: a stargazer’s dream

As the sun set, the night sky came alive with a dazzling display of constellations. The Southern Cross, the False Cross, Scorpio, Leo, Canis Major, Corvus the Crow, and the Milky Way shimmered brilliantly in the clear, cold air. The Sagittarius constellation was also prominently visible.

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Pom Pom Camp, July 2024

Pom Pom Camp, July 2024

Published July 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

The resident African wild dog pack of 13 adults and 17 puppies provided endless excitement. Their den was located just three kilometres northwest of Pom Pom Camp.

One of the most thrilling moments came when 12 wild dogs chased down a male red lechwe in the floodplains, skillfully navigating the shallow waters before devouring their prey in under five minutes. They then returned to the den, where we watched them regurgitate food for the alpha female and the puppies.

We often spotted the wild dogs around the camp during the day, in the mornings and afternoons. Sadly, the pack lost four puppies to natural causes by mid-July, leaving 13 surviving pups.

Throughout July, the pride of 14 lions, along with two lionesses and their cubs, ruled the reserve, their dominance unchallenged. A thrilling standoff occurred near a wild dog den just 200 meters from where a pride of eight lions rested among the wild sage. Vultures led the lions straight to the den, where they found themselves face-to-face with a pack of wild dogs fiercely defending their pups. In a heart-pounding moment, the dogs successfully protected their young, retreating just before the lions arrived. The pride’s power was further displayed as they brought down a buffalo near Rebecca’s Field — an incredible sight for our guests as the pride’s teamwork and strength came to the fore.

One misty morning game drive, we tracked fresh lion paw prints to a dramatic scene near Manonthoto — a buffalo kill. Hooded, white-backed, and lappet-faced vultures circled overhead, waiting for their turn, while side-striped jackals lingered, hoping to scavenge from the feast.

Tracking cheetahs at Pom Pom

Early in the month, we picked up cheetah tracks near Kassy Field and followed them for about 40 minutes to a female with three cubs resting on a termite mound near Rebecca’s Field. The same family was later seen at Motswiri Crossing, feeding on an impala kill. Watching the cubs eagerly devour their meal while their mother kept a watchful eye was unforgettable.

The water-filled plains and towering termite mounds provided a dynamic backdrop to the constant ebb and flow of wildlife. Large herds of wildebeest, buffalo, tsessebe, and elephants roamed freely, while kudu, impalas, and waterbucks dotted the landscape. However, we did notice a decline in zebra sightings, likely due to the floodplains being submerged.

Jackalberries and lazing leopards

Trees, such as the jackalberries, were heavy with fruit, attracting fruit-eating birds, baboons, monkeys, and even some antelope, like impalas. After an hour and a half of tracking near Shine Bridge, we found a male leopard perched high in a Jackalberry tree, feasting on an impala kill likely made while the antelope was dining on fallen fruits. Later in the month, an alarm call from a side-striped jackal led us to a female leopard and her cub resting at the base of a termite mound. After a brief moment of stillness, the two climbed into the branches of a sausage tree, where they lounged, basking in the afternoon sun. We also witnessed a rare mating pair of leopards at Motswiri Crossing, captivating everyone with their intimate display.

Sausage trees also began to flower, bringing life and colour to the area, much to the delight of the animals and birds. Large flocks of spur-winged geese were spied along with reed cormorants, African jacanas, and crocodiles basking on sandbanks. Monarch butterflies danced among the tall grasses, and the melodic calls of frogs serenaded us at night.

Night drives revealed a variety of fascinating smaller mammals, including the elusive aardwolf, African civet, serval and the ever-curious honey badger. Springhares and scrub hares darted across the floodplains while side-striped jackals and genets patrolled the night.

Spotted hyenas, ever the opportunistic scavengers, made frequent appearances near the camp, especially during dinner time when their eerie calls would cut through the night. Their den on Mochimbamo Island, a short distance from camp, saw plenty of activity as these cunning predators patrolled the area, always looking for an easy meal.

Mokoro rides took guests gliding through the shallow waters, offering a peaceful way to observe wildlife up close. With lower floodwaters, boat cruises were limited, but the clear winter skies made up for it, offering breathtaking views of the Milky Way, Jupiter, and constellations like the Southern Cross and Scorpius.

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Lebala Camp, July 2024

Lebala Camp, July 2024

Published July 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

July’s game viewing was exceptional, with large bachelor herds of buffalo moving between the woodland and marsh areas. Eland and sable antelopes grazed inland, visiting the few remaining waterholes.

Herds of elephants frequented the riverbanks for fresh water, while others passed through Lebala Camp during the day, providing an immersive experience as they trumpeted and fed just meters away from the main area.

The perfect pangolin sighting and brown hyenas at Lebala

Night drives revealed various smaller mammals, including springhares, bat-eared foxes, and civets. One particularly thrilling sighting involved an African wild cat hunting in the early morning, while aardwolves, typically shy, allowed us prolonged observation.

The real star, however, was a pangolin — a rare and unforgettable find during an afternoon drive, providing a once-in-a-lifetime moment for guests lucky enough to see this elusive creature.

Spotted hyenas were elusive, with their den site occasionally revealing a couple of females and pups. Tracks suggested a more significant presence, but they remained active primarily at night. However, guests were treated to a rare sighting of two brown hyenas moving through the area near their den — a highlight for those familiar with these shy, nocturnal creatures.

What have the Lebala lions and leopards been up to?

The resident pride of seven lions were frequently sighted on drives, and two lionesses and their playful cubs captivated guests throughout the month.

One memorable morning began with us tracking a cheetah hunt, but the unmistakable roars from the previous night hinted that the lions were closer than expected. Fresh tracks led us west of the staff village, where we located the pride feasting on a freshly killed buffalo. They stayed in the area for three days, during which three dominant males arrived, leading to a tense confrontation as these males continued their relentless efforts to push out two subadult males from the pride.

One lioness was heavily pregnant, while another was seen mating with one of the males previously ousted. Another spectacular sighting occurred near Halfway Pan, where the thunderous roar of a male lion guided us to a pride of ten lions feasting on an eland.

Two male leopards engaged in a fierce battle for territory. The dominant male had claimed the northern part of the concession, while a younger challenger staked his claim in the south. Tracking these elusive cats provided thrilling moments, and one morning, after an hour of crisscrossing over overlapping tracks, we finally found the dominant male dozing off. The sighting quickly became a hunt as he stealthily pursued his next meal before disappearing into the dense vegetation.

A female leopard was often spotted in the woodland areas, and guests witnessed a rare spectacle when a male leopard attempted to hunt a porcupine, a bold target that managed to escape.

The territorial tension between the two male leopards peaked when we found them growling at each other under the shade of Kalahari apple leaf trees. This quiet but charged standoff revealed the delicate balance of power in the wild.

Wild dogs den nearby and cheetah sightings delight

The rising water levels increased sightings of large crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, while water monitor lizards were often seen patrolling the river edge. The wetlands began to green up, providing a striking contrast to the increasingly arid drylands, as waterbirds took advantage of the changing landscape to feed in the shallow waters.

Lebala birdlife was as vibrant as ever, with frequent sightings of African hoopoes and white-fronted bee-eaters nesting along the riverbanks. A martial eagle was regularly spotted in the woodland along Eland Road, either perched near its nest or incubating eggs.

African wild dog sightings were scarce, but the anticipation is building. The pack had denned in the nearby concession, and we eagerly awaited the moment they start moving around with their pups. Fresh tracks occasionally appeared, hinting at their activity.

The two male cheetahs that roam between Lebala and Lagoon Camps were frequent visitors this July. These nomadic cats covered vast distances; tracking them sometimes took up to three hours. Their movements were likely influenced by a female cheetah spotted in the area, and on one occasion, we found her with two playful cubs practising their stalking skills.

Later in the month, we found the two males feeding on a freshly killed impala, with a female cheetah resting under a nearby tree. As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the plains, we left them to their meal.

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Kwara and Splash Camp, July 2024

Kwara and Splash Camp, July 2024

Published July 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

The Kwara Private Concession was a hotbed of lion activity, with several prides firmly establishing their dominance.

The Kwara pride was a particular highlight, with two lionesses caring for cubs of different ages — two and a half months and three months. Under the protection of a formidable coalition of four males, these young cubs were a source of endless fascination during game drives. The pride’s strength was on full display as they feasted on an array of prey, including zebras, elephants, wildebeests, and buffaloes.

A large clan of spotted hyenas was located feeding on one of these buffalo carcasses, while another clan was found at a den near the Splash boat station, where five playful cubs entertained guests with their antics. Another particularly memorable sighting involved a group of hyenas chasing a porcupine!

The lion cubs are being raised in a secure environment where their survival chances are high, thanks to the vigilant males who ensure territorial control.

Over at Splash Camp, the Mmaleitho lion pride also delivered thrilling sightings. Early in the month, guests witnessed an adrenaline-pumping hunt, where two lionesses brought down a fully grown male kudu near Ngayaya lagoon. The pride, which includes five cubs and two males, was regularly seen feeding on carcasses in the area, providing ample viewing opportunities. As the month came to a close, the pride was found feasting on an elephant carcass near Mophane Pan.

A young male leopard was seen taking down a vulture near this elephant carcass, showcasing his growing confidence as a hunter.

Leopard sightings were plentiful across both camps, with the resident leopards providing an intimate look into their stealthy lives. At Kwara, a resident female leopard and her cub regularly appeared, along with Rra Tsebe, the dominant male. On the western side of the concession, another large male, though slightly more elusive, added an element of mystery to the leopard encounters.

At Splash, guests were treated to exciting leopard sightings, including a hunt near the boat station led by Rra Tsebe himself. A female leopard and her cub were also seen, perched high in a tree with a reedbuck carcass, while another female was spotted with a vervet monkey kill that was eventually snatched by opportunistic hyenas.

Masters of speed

A coalition of two male cheetahs were frequently spotted patrolling their territory and hunting with remarkable precision. These cheetahs are well-known for their strategic movements, crisscrossing the concession from east to west to ensure control over their domain. Their swift hunts targeted impalas and other game.

A single male cheetah, now ruling the territory once held by the famous Mr Special, covered vast ground from Ngayaya lagoon to the Bat-eared Fox Den open plains. The two males from Kwara, who had been absent for two months, reappeared in mid-July, engaging in successful hunts.

At Kwara, a pack of six African wild dogs and another of three were observed, with one successful hunt on a female impala by the smaller group. Splash camp reported fewer sightings, but the presence of tracks hinted at a larger pack, possibly numbering between 15 and 30. Six dogs with blood-stained necks were also seen near Ngorongoro, likely after a recent hunt.

Honey badgers, aardwolves, civets, genets, bat-eared foxes, and porcupines were frequently spotted during night drives. One particularly captivating sighting involved a wildcat successfully hunting a mouse.

Floodwaters poured into Kwara

The arrival of floodwaters in July transformed the landscape, drawing large herds of elephants and buffaloes to the riverbanks. Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species — including roan, sable, and sitatunga sightings — were abundant across the Kwara Private Concession. The lush greenery and swelling rivers made for spectacular game drives along the Moanachira River. The arrival of floodwaters increased insect activity, especially noticeable during sunset boat cruises, attracting avian predators that snapped them up.

Raptors like tawny eagles and bateleur eagles soared high above the floodplains. Guests saw an African fish eagle stealing prey from a saddle-billed stork, plus wattled cranes, while an ostrich put on a rare and captivating mating display. Vultures were common at feeding sites, and marabou storks were frequently seen, especially around elephant carcasses.

Cooler weather meant fewer reptile sightings, but a few black mambas were spotted, along with crocodiles basking along the waterways. Water monitor lizards were spied near the elephant drinking spots.

The skies in July were a sight to behold, with spectacular sunrises and clear views of constellations like Orion’s Belt and Pleiades. The nights were illuminated by a bright moon, Venus, and Mercury.

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