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.
(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!)