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.
(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!)