A small group of three male elephants frequented the Tau Pan waterhole, displaying spectacular behaviour.
Watching these gentle giants mud-bathe and spray themselves from the main deck was entertaining and insightful. Their presence at the waterhole often kept smaller and medium-sized animals at bay, creating a unique relationship as other species patiently waited for their turn to drink.
Smaller mammals provided delightful surprises this month. Near one of the pans, a remarkable sighting was a caracal with a steenbok kill. Honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, ground squirrels, and black-backed jackals were commonly seen around Tau Pan. An African wild cat was observed near the airstrip.
Three brown hyenas visited the camp waterhole on separate occasions, drinking and scanning the area for potential scavenging opportunities. One individual was also observed heading north toward the airstrip, while another rested near Sunday Waterhole.
Sandgrouse flocked to the waterholes, drawing the attention of predatory birds like the pale-chanting goshawk and the Gabar goshawk, often seen diving in to test their luck. Other notable sightings included spotted eagle owls, giant eagle owls, tawny eagles, African harrier hawks, black-chested snake eagles, secretary birds, and greater kestrels. Ostriches were also drawn to the flowering river thorn acacia trees, creating photogenic moments in the golden light of the pans.
The black-maned lions of Tau Pan
September reaffirmed why Tau Pan is genuinely a lion stronghold. The Tau Pan Pride offered consistent sightings as they roamed the camp and surrounding areas. These enormous cats frequently rested in front of rooms, by the swimming pool, or under the star deck. They sometimes even lingered for two or three days around the camp.
One of the ex-dominant males from the pride was observed patrolling the western regions of Tau Pan, seemingly strategizing his return to reclaim dominance from the current leader. This developing power struggle between the old male and the new dominant male remained a fascinating storyline, keeping both guides and guests on the edge of their seats.

In addition to the resident prides, sightings of new lions added to the excitement. A pride of two consisting of a mother and her subadult male cub (approximately 1.5 years old) was seen moving through the area. Another pride of eight lions was spotted several times, comprising two adult females, three subadult females, and three subadult males (aged around 3.5 years). On one occasion, the pride’s roaring and social interactions reverberated across the pan, creating a magical experience for everyone.
Life among the flowering trees
During one afternoon game drive, a resident female leopard lounged high in a tree on the northern side of camp. In contrast, another female along Aardvark Road demonstrated her stalking prowess as she targeted a common duiker. Though her hunt was unsuccessful, the display of stealth and patience was captivating to watch.
Meanwhile, a shy male leopard was sighted near Passarge Waterhole with a steenbok kill.
A subadult male and female cheetah were seen on the southern side of Tau Pan, both with noticeably full bellies, indicating a recent successful hunt. Tracks of two other cheetahs were found near Passarge Waterhole, leading to the discovery of a kudu carcass they had taken down.
There was an onset of greenery this month. Flowering acacia trees drew in various herbivores, such as springbok, kudu, steenbok, and oryx, often seen feeding on the nutritious pods. The Sunday Waterhole remained a hotspot for wildlife activity, with large numbers of animals congregating to drink. Fresh African wild dog tracks around Letiahau Waterhole, Sunday Waterhole, and Passage Waterhole were identified. Self-drive visitors reported spotting the pack at Sunday Waterhole, while the research team noted sightings near Passarge Waterhole and another pair in the northern region.
Giraffe sightings notably increased compared to August. These gentle giants were frequently seen in areas like Letiahau, Deception Valley, and near the camp waterhole. Guests were thrilled to see them striding gracefully between the trees and water sources.
During nature walks led by an experienced Kalahari Bushman, guests were given a glimpse into the remarkable survival skills and cultural traditions, including how to find water, food, and fire-starting materials in the arid desert 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!)