Month: August 2024

4 Rivers, August 2024

4 Rivers, August 2024

Published August 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

A pack of seven African wild dogs, denning in the 4 Rivers area, frequently ventured into camp with their five playful puppies in tow and provided guests with intimate viewing opportunities.

However, the Paradise Pack, initially eight strong, suffered a loss, with two puppies falling prey to the abundant lion presence in the area. Meanwhile, the largest pack of the region, 29 strong, roamed southeast of the Kwara Private Concession. With 12 puppies this impressive pack (which denned in the 4 Rivers area last year) continued to thrive, providing thrilling, fast-paced encounters.

Lion cubs at 4 Rivers Camp

Two fiercely protective yet playfully nurturing lionesses introduced their cubs to the resident pride. One mother proudly paraded her three cubs, barely three months old, while another followed with four cubs, a mere two months old. These young ones, clumsily exploring their world, played under the watchful eyes of the adults.

The pride’s dominant males — the notorious Kwara Boys — vigorously defended their territory. Their roars often echoed through the night, announcing their dominance as they responded to the arrival of two new males encroaching from the west. Tensions ran high as these newcomers mated with two lionesses, leaving the Kwara Boys on alert.

Vultures circling high in the sky (a classic aerial sign used for tracking) led us to two dominant male lions feasting on a fresh buffalo kill. Jackals hovered on the outskirts, hoping for scraps, while the male lions devoured their meal. A few days later, a fresh set of footprints along Kazungula Road had us on high alert. After an hour of tracking, we arrived at a zebra kill, barely 30 minutes old, fresh from a hunt.

The spotted species of 4 Rivers

Besides the usual sightings of the mother leopard with her eight-month-old cub, we spotted a big, relaxed male frequently patrolling the western regions near the beacon area. The resident mother leopard and her playful cub were particularly active, their antics adding excitement to our drives. One day, after an hour of careful tracking, we found the mother reclining in a Leadwood tree, her cub playing with a ball of elephant dung. Alarm calls from a side-striped jackal eventually led us to another male leopard, resting regally in a leadwood tree, growling to mark his territory.

One lone male cheetah, a regular around the Paradise area, made dramatic appearances. We witnessed him on a daring attempt to hunt warthogs, only to be chased off by a herd of zebras. But by August 31st, he had his moment of triumph, successfully bringing down an impala along Tsum Tsum-Kazungula Road, a victorious end to the month for this agile predator.

Spotted hyenas were omnipresent this August, with a clan comprising an astounding 17 hyenas waiting patiently for two male lions to finish feasting on a buffalo kill. Evening drives often brought us face to face with a trio of hyenas along the 4 Rivers Camp road, their ghostly forms slipping in and out of the darkness. We tracked down this hyena den north of camp, regularly encountering the adults.

As the August heat deepened and the trees shed their leaves, larger mammals sought refuge in the floodplains. Elephants and buffaloes were particularly prominent, with herds of up to 500 buffaloes moving between camp and the 4 Rivers Lediba. Another group of 300 buffaloes were often seen near Kazungula and Tsum Tsum.

Reptiles remained active, with three large crocodiles frequently spotted in the waterways in front of camp, one of them often basked lazily on a sandbank. Rock monitors were also observed in several locations. Insect life was also abundant, with antlions, baboon spiders, and carpenter bees appearing during our mokoro excursions.

Stargazing, birdwatching, mokoro and more!

Mokoro and walking excursions continued to offer guests intimate, immersive experiences with nature. Whether gliding along the waterways, spotting water birds, or tracking wildlife on foot, these activities provided deeper connections to the Okavango Delta and its rich, vibrant ecosystem. Guests gained insights into the medicinal uses of plants and animal behaviour.

During the day, raptors like African fish eagles, African hawk eagles, bateleurs, and tawny eagles dominated the skies. This month’s highlight was witnessing a fight between a tawny eagle and an African fish eagle over a guinea fowl carcass, with the fish eagle emerging as the victor. Near the airstrip, a pair of martial eagles has been nesting on a dead knob thorn tree, with a chick that’s now nearly a month old. The arrival of early summer migrants like carmine bee-eaters added splashes of colour to the skies, signalling the coming of the warmer months.

The night sky remained just as captivating, with clear views of constellations like the Southern Cross and Scorpio, and planets like Venus, Jupiter, and Mars put on a brilliant show.

(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, August 2024

Tau Pan Camp, August 2024

Published August 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

Three male elephants frequently visited the camp waterhole, providing guests with memorable moments as they drank and enjoyed mud baths.

Their presence often kept smaller animals at bay, as the waterhole is too small to accommodate all the wildlife at once. This led to interesting interactions as other animals patiently waited for the elephants to finish before taking their turn.

Leopard driven up a tree by lions at the camp waterhole

Leopard sightings were plentiful particularly around the airstrip, waterhole, and near Room 1.

One of the most thrilling encounters unfolded at the waterhole, where a female leopard found herself in a life-or-death situation. In a sudden attack, a lioness forced the leopard to escape by scaling a nearby tree. For 20 tense minutes, she clung to the branches while the lioness prowled below. The eventual loss of interest by the lioness allowed the leopard to make a swift escape toward the safety of Room 9 — an unforgettable moment of predator versus predator.

A shy male was spotted along the main road before the junction leading to Passarge waterhole, while another female was seen south of Sunday waterhole, hunting a steenbok but missing her target. A resident female, seen regularly between the camp and airstrip, was notably full-bellied, hinting at a hidden recent kill.

The blossoming acacia trees transformed Tau Pan this month, attracting a variety of herbivores, including springbok, kudu, steenbok, and oryx. The yellow blossoms stood out against the golden grasses, while the sunsets and sunrises over the dunes created moments of pure magic. The nutritious pods from these acacias were a magnet for these species, especially around the Letiahau area, where game was abundant.

The sand dunes provide stunning vantage points, with the horizon coated in shades of blue and gold. However, a curious absence of giraffes was noted. Despite their usual prevalence at strongholds like Letiahau, Deception Valley, and Sunday waterhole, giraffe sightings were scarce. We suspect they may have migrated to areas with better food sources, as many acacia trees have started to lose their leaves.

Sand grouse flocked to the camp waterhole, closely followed by raptors such as pale-chanting and Gabar goshawks, hoping to catch an unwary bird for a meal. Spotted eagle owls, giant eagle owls, and tawny eagles also graced the skies, along with the powerful secretary bird and great kestrel. Ostriches, drawn to the acacia blossoms, added an extra layer of wonder to the Central Kalahari birding experience.

A caracal kill and lion activity at Tau Pan

It was a great month for spotting smaller mammals. Honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, and black-backed jackals were frequently seen around Tau Pan, while a rare and thrilling sighting of a caracal with a steenbok kill at Makgoa Pan left guests in awe. Ground squirrels and an African wild cat near the airstrip added to the charm of Tau Pan’s hidden treasures.

Though cheetah sightings were sparse, two subadult cheetahs — a male and female — were spotted on the western side of camp, later moving toward Makgoa Pan. Both appeared well-fed, though the source of their meal remained elusive.

Spotted hyena activity picked up this month, especially in the mornings. Two hyenas were seen drinking at the waterhole on different days, one was spotted near the airstrip heading north, and another was seen resting in Deception Valley.

The Tau Pan pride, known for its proximity to the lodge, was seen almost daily, except for four days when they were out patrolling elsewhere. One of the standout moments was at Letiahau waterhole, where six lions — two subadult males, a subadult female, an adult female, and two cubs estimated to be around three months old — were spotted feeding on a subadult oryx. Later in the month, a lioness attempted to bring down a kudu and an oryx at Sunday waterhole, although she ultimately missed and gave up the chase.

A particularly intriguing development within the Tau Pan Pride was the introduction of a new dominant male, now in his third month with the pride. His presence has led to speculation about the fate of the previous five dominant males, of which only one remains visible, often seen patrolling the western side of Tau Pan toward San Pan. Interestingly, the new dominant male, accompanied by a subadult male from the San Pan Pride, was seen chasing one of the ex-dominant males away from Tau Pan, indicating potential power shifts within the pride. The drama continued when the same subadult male rejoined the ex-dominant male, and both were seen with the Airstrip pride. The power dynamics within the Tau Pan pride remain unresolved.

The Airstrip pride was sighted four times, mostly around the waterhole and the airstrip area.

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Dinare Camps, August 2024

Dinare Camps, August 2024

Published August 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

Our standout moment this month was the sighting of an aardvark, a notoriously difficult animal to spot.

Genets, civets, and the rare aardvark — seen foraging methodically in the early hours — scrub hares, porcupines, and even the mysterious African wild cat were logged during the evening adventures. The night drives, a unique feature of our safari, were also especially productive for hyena sightings, particularly around their den, where we observed the pups growing rapidly. Their eerie whoops echoed through the darkness, and their silhouettes moved stealthily through the floodplains in search of scavenging opportunities.

Spectacular Hunts Across Gomoti Floodplains

A coalition of four cheetah brothers roamed the Gomoti River floodplains. Their proficiency as hunters was on full display as we followed them through several chases (a dance of speed and precision), often ending in successful kills of impala and young red lechwe.

A female cheetah with five cubs was also spotted intermittently, moving between the camps and Moremi Game Reserve. Although not as frequent, sightings of this family were exhilarating, with the cubs learning the art of the hunt from their skilled mother. More recently, another female with four cubs, around six months old, was seen regularly.

The lions were highly active around the river, their roars echoing across the floodplains at night. Tracking them on early morning game drives led to thrilling discoveries of fresh kills and feasting sessions. The mighty Gomoti Pride commanded the August landscape with fierce hunting prowess. A heart-stopping scene unfolded as the pride, led by the indomitable River Boy, took down a buffalo in full view of the safari vehicle. The sheer strength and precision of the hunt left everyone awestruck as the pride worked together to bring down the massive animal.

Adding a touch of tenderness to the excitement, two lionesses from Tee’s Pride were spotted introducing their new cubs to the pride’s territory.

Abundant Wildlife on the Lush Floodplains

The floodwaters transformed the floodplains into lush grazing grounds, attracting an abundance of general game. Elephants, in particular, were a constant presence, with large herds seen bathing, drinking, and socializing along the riverbanks. Buffalos, giraffes, impalas, kudus, and red lechwe were frequently sighted, while the return of roan and sable antelopes thrilled guests eager to spot these rarer species. The open floodplains also drew in herds of warthogs, zebras, and tsessebes.

Our walking safaris allowed guests to immerse themselves in the expertise of Kwando guides as they tracked animals, identified plants, and interpreted the bush’s subtle signs. The high water levels also provided a serene and peaceful opportunity for mokoro excursions, where guests floated through the channels, getting up close to aquatic birds and animals.

The resident male leopard, Rra Lebodu, took down a warthog in front of guests. His dominance in the area remains strong as he patrolled his territory near the camps.

A female leopard with two cubs was another regular sighting. The playful antics of the cubs, under the watchful eye of their mother, provided theatrical moments as they practised their stalking skills and engaged in mock hunts. Their mischievous antics provided a charming contrast to their mother’s vigilant demeanour!

Dinare African wild dog den update

The African wild dog den at Mma Dinare remained a hub of energy and action this month, with 18 adults and 16 playful puppies creating some of the season’s most dynamic and heartwarming sightings. We were treated to intimate observations of the pack’s incredible social structure, particularly the adults’ dedication to their young. One of the most fascinating scenes was following the adults on a hunt and watching them return to the den to regurgitate food for the hungry pups.

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Nxai Pan Camp, August 2024

Nxai Pan Camp, August 2024

Published August 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

August brought with it not just the cool winds of late winter but a string of unforgettable wildlife moments.

It all started on 2 August when four resident lionesses were spotted lounging by the Nxai Pan Camp waterhole alongside two males and another lioness near Baobab Loop. With noticeably full bellies, it was clear they had enjoyed a recent meal. Among them was a pregnant lioness who had separated from the pride — likely scouting for a den as we anticipate new cubs soon. This lioness made several appearances throughout the month, most notably guarding a freshly killed buffalo calf. Her tracks, often found around camp, added an extra layer of excitement, especially when four lionesses walked past camp just as we sat down for breakfast. The guests were in awe, watching these majestic predators up close — a surreal moment that left everyone buzzing for days.

The journeys to Baines’ Baobab, a famous landmark in Nxai Pan, were particularly striking. Here, tall grasslands opened up to the vast, shimmering salt pans, where the horizon often played tricks with mirages of distant water. Solitary oryx bulls stood in the shade near Baines Baobab, content to escape the day’s heat. Springboks frequently mingled with impalas, while blue wildebeests remained a regular sight.

Among the smaller but equally thrilling sightings were those of an African wild cat spotted twice near Baobab Loop on day game drives — an unusual treat given its typically nocturnal habits. Aardwolves basked in the sunlight along the Middle and West roads.

Signs of African wild dogs and the haunting hyaena calls

It’s been some time since we’ve seen African wild dogs, but reassuringly, tracks near the airstrip confirmed they are still in the area. Despite their elusive nature, the possibility of encountering these energetic predators always lingers. Meanwhile, the unmistakable calls of spotted hyenas echoed through the night, reminding us they were never far from camp. Brown hyena tracks were also spotted along the western road, and although we didn’t see any leopards this month, their presence was undeniable, too. Leopard tracks were found along the roads and within the camp, keeping everyone on high alert.

Buffalo, zebras, and elephant herds

As the month progressed, the movement patterns of the general game shifted. Buffalo herds started visiting the waterhole under the cover of darkness, leaving their tracks behind as morning clues. Zebras also arrived in impressive numbers, dotting the pan in an exciting development for this time of year

Elephants — breeding herds and bachelor groups — were frequent visitors in the afternoons, gathering along the water edge to drink and socialize. The waterholes buzzed with all kinds of animal life. Large flocks of cape turtle doves and Burchell’s sandgrouse swooped down for a drink in a synchronized display that left everyone mesmerized. Dragonflies darted gracefully in the air, and butterflies, including African monarchs, yellow pansies, and painted ladies, fluttered through the landscape, adding splashes of colour to the winter scenery.

A leopard tortoise made itself a familiar sight, spending several days basking in the same spot, undisturbed by the activity around it.

Birdwatching was exceptional, with white-backed vultures nesting near camp and a lappet-faced vulture claimed territory near the South Camp road. Other notable birds included the Marico flycatcher, black-chested snake eagle, crimson-breasted shrike, and the unmistakable yellow-billed hornbill.

A starlit finale: August’s celestial show

As the days gave way to clear August evenings, the night sky put on a spectacular show. With minimal light pollution and short trees surrounding the camp, stargazing was an unforgettable experience. The Canopus, Sirius, Scorpio, and the Southern Cross constellations illuminated the sky. Scrub hares also appeared nightly around camp, foraging peacefully under the moonlight.

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Pom Pom Camp, August 2024

Pom Pom Camp, August 2024

Published August 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

August brought both joy and sorrow to the resident African wild dog pack. They relocated their den 15km away, and the pack (initially consisting of 13 adults and 14 puppies) unfortunately dropped to 10 puppies due to predation by hyenas.

Despite declining African wild dog numbers, we were treated to some genuinely exhilarating moments. One morning, a pack chased an impala through the main area. Within minutes, the dogs made a successful kill, and just five minutes later, the puppies arrived to join in the feast — a thrilling breakfast-time spectacle for our guests!

With a spotted hyena den just 1.5km from camp, sightings of these often misunderstood predators were everyday occurrences. With the wild dogs moving out of the area, the hyenas struggled to scavenge from the dogs’ kills, and we witnessed several failed hunts this month. The hyenas targeted red lechwe and impalas but came up short each time. One particularly fascinating afternoon, we watched their relentless, yet unsuccessful, attempts to hunt lechwe in the water.

Leopard spotted during a mokoro trip

Some trees shed their leaves, and the grass dried, but the floodplains and lagoons remained vibrant, making wildlife sightings in these open areas even more exciting.

Birdwatching at Pom Pom Camp was nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the thriving wetlands. Egrets, geese, and the elusive Pel’s fishing owl have delighted birdwatchers, particularly during mokoro excursions. The water levels dropped slightly, limiting our water-based activities to short mokoro rides. Still, this serene water-based activity allowed guests to get close to the vibrant birdlife, watching them in their natural habitats.

One of the month’s most unforgettable wildlife moments occurred during a mokoro activity when a male leopard was spotted crossing the water —an incredibly rare and exhilarating experience for our guests.

On another occasion, we followed a female leopard during a morning game drive stealthily stalking a male impala. After a perfectly calculated hunt, she made her kill, but the real magic happened when she returned to fetch her cubs, leading them back to the fresh meal. Witnessing her delicate balance of hunter and mother left everyone in awe.

A cheetah mother and her three six-month-old cubs were frequently observed on hunts. She made regular kills to keep her cubs fed, and guests witnessed her bring down impalas with calculated precision. Yet, as lion, leopard, and hyena activity increased, the cheetahs gradually moved out of the area, seeking safer grounds for their vulnerable cubs. A lone male cheetah in the region was also frequently spotted, though his solo hunts proved more difficult in this predator-rich environment.

Keeping track of the Pom Pom lions

The arrival of two intruder male lions disrupted the peace. The Pom Pom Pride, once dominant, was pushed from its territory, causing lion sightings to be a bit more sporadic. Yet this added tension between prides only heightened the thrill of each encounter, as the shifting dynamics created a volatile and captivating atmosphere.

One morning, Kwando guides and trackers trailed fresh lion prints across the plains at dawn. They pieced together the clues for nearly an hour, leading them to the pride resting peacefully on the floodplains. But their rest was brief — after about 15 minutes, the lions stirred and moved toward the river. Guests were treated to an unforgettable sight as the pride crossed the river onto an island.

Whether grazing peacefully or engaging in playful antics, the sheer volume of wildlife made every game drive a thrilling experience. Massive herds of elephants, buffaloes, wildebeests, and red lechwes filled the plains, while impalas, kudus, and zebras dotted the landscape. Baboons and monkeys provided lively entertainment, while hippos and giraffes added a gentle majesty to the scenery.

During night drives, African civets, side-striped jackals, and honey badgers were regularly spotted, while springhares, porcupines, and small-spotted genets enchanted guests. Aardwolves and African wild cats also made cameos, with dusk sundowners the perfect prelude to these magical sightings.

As winter temperatures lingered, reptile activity remained minimal. However, crocodiles and water monitor lizards were still seen basking along the riverbanks. Insects were relatively scarce, but with the warmer weather on the horizon, we’ve noticed a slight increase in activity, hinting at the changes to come.

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Lebala Camp, August 2024

Lebala Camp, August 2024

Published August 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

A dramatic shift in the lion hierarchy is playing out at Lebala. The three dominant males have been pushing their boundaries northward toward the Lagoon area, leaving the southern territories exposed.

This opening allowed a coalition of younger males, aged between five and seven years, to seize control of the southern region. Skimmer Pan now marks the invisible line between the two rival coalitions.

Tensions reached a boiling point when the dominant males returned from the south, bearing fresh scars from battles over territory. Their females, who had spent time with the new males during their absence, were quickly reclaimed. One particularly intense night saw the camp reverberating with the roars of combat. By morning, the dominant males had emerged victorious, mating with the females who had briefly courted the new coalition. Despite these fierce encounters, the dominant trio still controls the north, while the younger coalition has secured the southern region.

One of the lionesses, who had been pregnant, separated from the pride to give birth. Though we didn’t witness the birth itself, we saw signs of her lactating and later spotted her hunting alongside another adult female. We have yet to see her cubs but eagerly await their debut.

A tense cheetah pursuit interrupted

After tracking a pair of cheetahs for hours one morning, we found them resting but alert, preparing for their next move. By afternoon, they had climbed a tree to scan for prey, and their patience was rewarded when they spotted a herd of impalas.

As the cheetahs sprinted toward their target, the sightlines of everyone in the vehicle were glued to the unfolding drama. However, just as they closed in, a spotted hyena burst onto the scene, scattering the impalas and thwarting the cheetah’s efforts.

The hyena den remains active, with three cubs of varying ages providing plenty of entertainment. Two cubs are nearly the same age, while the third is a younger, scrappier addition. The mother’s protective presence is constant, though the calls of other hyenas suggest a larger clan lurking nearby.

One gripping scene involved a group of hyenas waiting for days near the site where lions had killed a buffalo. For five days, they lingered, patiently watching until the lions left. Once the lions moved on, the hyenas took over, greedily finishing the remains while fending off jackals and vultures in a chaotic, noisy spectacle of scavenging.

Large herds of elephants, wildebeest, and kudu were regularly spotted near the marsh, seeking relief from the climbing temperatures. Though fewer buffalo herds were seen, bachelor groups lingered near the river, their massive frames silhouetted against the sunset. The richness of the marsh area continues to provide nourishment for many species, but the landscape is dry, and we started to see the effects of the drought. However, the vegetation remains varied, with blooming trees attracting browsing species like kudus and giraffes.

Lebala leopard rivalries

Leopard tracking this month has been an exciting challenge, with many sightings resulting from hours of tracking through the bush. Two males who have long been rivals were spotted at different times, continuing their battle for dominance. We noticed that when one of the male leopards ventured into the marsh area, the other remained in the woodland. Both were tracking each other using the same paths.

One of the males attempted to stalk two baboons, one of which was limping. The baboons, however, spotted the predator in time and escaped. Unfazed, the leopard quickly switched tactics and began stalking warthogs near a termite mound. In an incredible display of skill and patience, we witnessed him take down a warthog and settle in for a meal as the sun set.

We’ve also seen three female leopards in the area, including one who spent two days marking her territory. It’s been fascinating to observe her scent marking in the same areas as the males, asserting her presence in this contested land.

Fires were visible on the Namibian side of the river, casting an orange glow across the horizon at night. Meanwhile, the water levels, which were rising earlier in the year, have stabilized. Large crocodiles became a common sight along the riverbanks, often basking in groups of three or more. Their prehistoric forms lay motionless in the sun, providing a stark contrast to the smaller reptiles and insects also spotted this month. Notable among them was a rock monitor lizard, seen foraging through the woodlands. Insects have been less active, but we’ve noticed some interesting sightings of carpenter bees and ants.

The Southern Carmine Bee-eaters have returned, signalling the changing season as they search for nesting grounds. Secretary birds have also been spotted more frequently, with some observed in pairs, likely preparing for the breeding season.

The night sky was particularly clear, offering stunning views of constellations and stars, especially when the moon was absent. African wild cats have been particularly active, frequently spotted during morning, evening, and night drives. Aardwolves were spotted several times, along with genets, civets, and porcupines, all making their rounds around camp.

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Lagoon Camp, August 2024

Lagoon Camp, August 2024

Published August 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

The two male cheetahs that call the Lagoon territory home had a productive month and were sighted every few days, often near the Cutline.

Their constant movement across their territory — patrolling and defending it from other males — was gripping to follow. At the end of the month, we tracked them during a successful hunt at Segweda Crossing, where they brought down a half-grown male tsessebe.

The Kwando River was a magnet for general game, especially elephants, roan, and sable antelopes, which congregated to quench their thirst. Large herds of wildebeest were seen regularly around Muddy Waters. Browsers like kudu and giraffes were also abundant, taking advantage of the blooming trees to forage. Hippos, always a source of wonder, continued to dominate the riverbanks, and their social behaviours fascinated guests throughout the month.

The resident pack of six African wild dogs brought plenty of excitement, making four thrilling appearances in just one week. Known for their fast-paced hunts and elusive nature, they spent much of their time near Kwena Lagoon.

August signalled the return of migratory birds to the Lagoon Camp area. Carmine bee-eaters added splashes of colour to the sky, while the receding waters created ideal feeding grounds for storks and herons while yellow-billed kites circled the skies. One particularly special discovery this month was a new secretary bird nest near the Baobab at Second Lagoon.

Leopard survival skills and sibling bonding

Leopard sightings were remarkable. A young female, raising two cubs of her own, made several appearances along Badisa Road and Water Affairs Islands. Her hunting skills were on full display, and we had the pleasure of watching her cubs playfully honing their skills, chasing tree squirrels along Upper Kwando Road — an amusing spectacle that charmed all who witnessed it.

Tragedy struck earlier this year when Mma Mazabuka, a well-known leopardess, was killed by a lion. Yet, her cubs have shown incredible resilience. Although now fending for themselves, they have been sighted several times near Bee Eater, surviving the challenges of life in the wild. Another gripping moment this month involved a female leopard feasting on a baboon she had killed under the cover of night, an impressive testament to her strength and stealth.

Lion action at Lagoon Camp

August brought intense lion action with the Holi Pride at the heart of it. Known for their dominance over the region, the pride faced serious challenges as two rival male coalitions attempted to seize their territory. Over the past three weeks, the Holi Pride was under pressure, retreating eastward toward Muddy Waters and Water Cut, unable to hold off the determined intruders.

The two dominant Holi Pride males, Golden Boy and Rra Lebante, have shifted their focus northward into the territory of the Mma Mosetlha Pride, leaving the Holi Pride more exposed than ever. Despite the turbulence, there have been touching moments too — two lionesses were often seen nurturing their two-month-old cubs near Muddy Waters. These intimate encounters with the young cubs, growing stronger by the day, were a special highlight.

Spotted hyena tracks crisscrossed the reserve, a silent reminder of these nocturnal scavengers. One encounter, however, was anything but silent —along the Main Road, a group of 10 hyenas tried to scavenge on a deceased elephant calf. In an emotional display of maternal instinct, the calf’s mother fiercely defended the carcass, repeatedly chasing the hyenas away, her grief and determination palpable.

Night drives yielded incredible sightings of bat-eared foxes, civets and servals, with an exceptionally memorable sighting of a serval stalking through the moonlit grass. With their stealthy movements, African wildcats added to the excitement of the nocturnal safaris, rounding out the rich diversity of wildlife experiences at Lagoon Camp.

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Kwara and Splash Camp, August 2024

Kwara and Splash Camp, August 2024

Published August 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

Both Kwara and Splash experienced an abundance of general game. Massive herds of buffalo were frequently seen along Tsum Tsum Road and Bat Eared Fox plains, often attracting the attention of lions, with multiple prides crisscrossing the area.

In Kwara, the fragmented pride of lionesses became a frequent sight, nurturing their cubs. One game drive, we followed lion tracks for nearly an hour, leading us to a tense stand-off between the lions and a massive herd of buffalo. Dust rose as the lions attempted to breach the herd’s defences, but the buffaloes stood their ground, shielding their calves from the predators in a breathtaking display.

At Splash, lion dynamics took on a fascinating complexity. Multiple prides navigated the area, leading to unpredictable encounters. A lone female, with her cubs in tow, sought refuge deep within the marshes to avoid marauding males and rival prides. Three new pairs of young male lions were seen, putting pressure on the established dominant males, who spent much of their time patrolling territory to fend off these challengers.

The Return of the African wild dogs: playful puppies stole the show

After months of absence, the big pack of wild dogs made a triumphant return to the area, bringing with them 13 energetic puppies. Their playful antics and thrilling chases, especially when they pursued red lechwe through water, created dramatic scenes right in front of Kwara Camp. The excitement was palpable as the pack reestablished itself, while a splinter group of four adults explored independently, adding some unpredictability to their movements and keeping us on the edge of our game drive seats.

At Splash, wild dog sightings soared toward the end of the month as this resident pack, with its 18 adults and 13 puppies, revitalized the predator landscape. Their presence led to unforgettable game drives filled with heartwarming and dynamic interactions, showcasing the interconnectedness of the wildlife in the area.

Pangolins and spotted hyena dens

August night drives proved especially rewarding for spotting smaller, often overlooked creatures. Civets, genets, servals and honey badgers were seen frequently, while rarer finds included aardvarks and multiple sightings of the endangered pangolin.

Hyenas continued to make their presence known, both audibly and visually. At Kwara, a new den south of Pelican Pan was discovered, and a lone female and her offspring became regular visitors. The eerie nighttime howls were a constant reminder of the wilderness beyond the campfire, and a particularly intriguing moment came when four hyenas were tracked hot on the trail of a young male lion.

Leopard and cheetah encounters: stealth and surprise!

Kwara and Splash camps didn’t disappoint with multiple sightings of these elusive cats. At Kwara, a large male leopard was spotted stalking reedbucks along Riverine Road, while a shy female was seen dining on an impala high up in a tree at Machaba East.

Meanwhile, a resident female and her playful cub at Splash delighted visitors with their nurturing and mischievous antics. However, the mood shifted when another female, known for previously having two cubs around Ngorongoro, was seen with only one, sparking concern for the missing offspring. The imposing resident male leopard, Rra Tsebe, continued his reign, confidently patrolling the plains between Tau Island, the airstrip and Lechwe Plains.

At Kwara, a formidable coalition of two male cheetahs continued to dominate the landscape. These speedsters were seen feasting on a warthog near Lechwe Corner, often returning to familiar posts once marked by the famous cheetah, Mr. Special. Guests were mesmerized by the sheer speed and precision of the hunt when watching these cheetahs in full pursuit of prey. It’s a performance that remains one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in the Okavango Delta.

Elephants were plentiful, with large herds moving through the Kwara Private Concession, taking advantage of the seasonal water sources. Unique sightings of rarer species like roan and sable antelope were also recorded, along with the usual abundance of zebras, wildebeests, tsessebes, red lechwes, and other small antelopes.

A happening heronry and other birding highlights

The heronry bustled with marabou storks and carmine bee-eaters. Sitatunga antelope were sighted along the channel during boat cruises, and water monitors and crocodiles were often seen basking along the riverbanks.

Raptors like martial eagles and African fish eagles patrolled the skies while the resident wattled cranes at Splash continued to impress bird enthusiasts.

At the same time, the seasonal floods led to an uptick in insect life, with dragonflies and butterflies creating a lively buzz around camp water sources.

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