Month: October 2024

4 Rivers Camp, October 2024

4 Rivers Camp, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

There were some unique African wild dog and leopard combination sightings this October. During one thrilling afternoon game drive, the resident leopardess stalked reedbucks while a pack of African wild dogs simultaneously chased another reedbuck antelope just a short distance away. We didn’t know where to look!

The dogs, oblivious to the leopardess’ presence, allowed her to continue her hunt uninterrupted.

This month, many leopard sightings occurred in the western part of the concession, particularly around Marula Pan and JD Spillway.One resident female leopard frequented the northern section of the old airstrip camping grounds. In one dramatic sighting, this leopardess and her cub were ambushed by a pack of seven African wild dogs, forcing them to seek refuge in a towering sausage tree. Guests watched in suspense as the dogs lingered in the shade of the tree for the entire afternoon, creating a standoff that will be remembered for years to come.

Two different packs frequented the 4 Rivers area with their playful energy and thrilling hunts. This resident pack of seven adults with five pups dominated the west side of the camp, while the larger pack of 18 dogs, including 10 playful puppies, was often seen chasing red lechwes across the floodplains. One particularly intense sighting saw this pack disembowelling a red lechwe near Lechwe Corner, showcasing the pack’s speed and ferocity.

Lions with cubs and kills at 4 Rivers

The area also teemed with lion activity, including a lioness with four newborn cubs nestled in Mokoro Island and two heavily pregnant females roaming near Double Crossing. The drama continued with three male lions boldly walking through the camp, stumbling upon a leopard on a kill and brazenly stealing its hard-earned meal. The power struggles between predators were nothing short of riveting.

During the dawn chill one morning, we witnessed six lionesses take down a wildebeest near the floodplains. The battle was fierce, with one lioness suffering a dramatic chest wound from the wildebeest’s horn. Initially, we feared for her survival, but to everyone’s amazement, she recovered. Another unique sighting unfolded by the 4 Rivers Lagoon, where a lioness ambushed and took down a baboon trying to quench its thirst at a small pond.

The abundance of big predators in the area meant hyenas were never far from scavenging opportunities. Several active spotted hyena dens were located, offering opportunities to observe their social dynamics and playful cubs. Guests frequently witnessed hyenas congregating around the lion, and African wild dog kills, vying for any scraps left behind. Their cunning and persistence provided endless entertainment.

Night drives and stellar sights

The landscape transformed dramatically as the flooded plains dried and the grass turned golden brown. These conditions attracted rodents such as porcupines, plus rats and mice, which in turn drew predators like wild cats. The woodland areas thickened with vegetation, creating ideal hiding spots for smaller mammals. During night drives, the trackers spotted African wild cats, servals, genets, white-tailed mongooses, and even a steenbok sheltering in the bush. One memorable surprise was lighting up a water mongoose prowling through the floodplains.

Cheetahs made special appearances, particularly in the eastern reaches of the concession, where the drying floodplains drew a massive volume and variety of general game in breathtaking scenes. Large herds of buffaloes, dazzles of zebras, wildebeests, eland, waterbucks, tsessebes, and many others congregated in these grazing areas. Elephants were frequently seen in family groups, crossing the plains and seeking out water, while giraffes elegantly moved between the trees. Monitor lizards were also commonly spotted in these grass-covered floodplains, while snakes such as green-spotted grass snakes, black mambas, twig snakes, and pythons added an element of thrill to our safaris. Crocodiles basked along the riverbanks, and their stealthy movements reminded us of their dominance in the waterways.

With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way stretched across the sky in dazzling clarity. Guests were treated to incredible views of constellations, including Scorpio and the Southern Cross, a tranquil end to thrilling days in the bush.

(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, October 2024

Tau Pan Camp, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

A brown hyena was spotted at the waterhole, quenching its thirst in an extended sighting. A pack of African wild dogs was also sighted, passing through the northern part of the camp and heading toward the cutline.

Scrub hares engaged in territorial fights along the pathways, while slender mongooses hunted mice and snakes. Yellow mongooses were also spotted near the ground squirrel burrows. Ground squirrels, meanwhile, foraged for seeds in grass species such as eight-day grass, adding charm to the morning drives.

The dry grasslands, patiently awaiting the life-giving rains, were a testament to the adaptability of both animals and people. They have learned to survive in these harsh conditions by digging for moisture-rich tubers like the Morning Glory and Kalahari water tubers. Guests were treated to immersive bush walks led by San guides, who shared their deep knowledge of the Kalahari flora and fauna, demonstrating the resourcefulness and resilience of the San people.

An ant Lion was seen in camp killing a scorpion!

Another highlight of this month was watching a pale chanting goshawk freeing on a sandgrouse it had caught. The elusive red hartebeest also appeared near the airstrip and at the waterhole.

Giraffes, springboks, and elephants frequently mixed with other species at the waterhole, creating a dynamic scene of coexistence. Other bird sightings included eagles, doves, and flocks of sandgrouse congregating at the waterhole. The competition for food was fierce, with crows and Gabar goshawks joining the fray. Black-backed jackals were commonly seen, along with foxes and ground squirrels. Large numbers of kudus gathered to drink, their presence often attracting lions.

Testy lions and plenty of kudu kills

A well-known rival male lion, often called “the intruder,” was spotted feeding on a kudu carcass that a lioness had killed. The lioness, clearly frustrated, lay under a bush nearby, watching as the male feasted on her hard-earned meal. This bold behaviour set the tone for the month’s lion sightings.An intense encounter unfolded at the waterhole as the Tau Pan Pride clashed with the Airstrip Pride. The territorial skirmish resulted in the Airstrip Pride being chased back toward the airstrip. During the chaos, one of the older females from the Airstrip Pride was caught and overpowered by the Tau Pan Pride. Though badly exhausted and injured, she managed to sneak away and disappear by the afternoon.

Later in the month, a lioness from the Tau Pan Pride was found feeding on a freshly killed gemsbok near the southern road to Letiahau. Soon after, four other lionesses joined the feast. However, their meal was short-lived as the same rival male appeared, forcing the females to abandon their kill and retreat toward camp. The male, ever opportunistic, enjoyed the gemsbok alone.

A new pride of five lions (three males and two lionesses) was frequently sighted feeding. This pride is believed to originate from Deception Valley. It was often seen in Passarge Valley and Sunday Pan but rarely ventured further afield.

Two subadult female cheetahs were spotted crossing Tau Pan, showing interest in a lone springbok. Unfortunately, the prey caught their scent, and the hunt was unsuccessful. Later in October, a male cheetah was observed resting near the pan, seemingly preparing to hunt the nearby prey species. However, he disappeared shortly after, and no further activity was recorded.

This month, clear, unpolluted skies provided breathtaking stargazing opportunities. Guests marvelled at constellations such as Scorpio, Libra, Sagittarius, and the Southern Cross, as well as bright celestial objects like Venus and Spica.

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Moremi Crossing Camp, October 2024

Moremi Crossing Camp, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

Several cheetah sightings were recorded in October, making it an exceptional month for spotting these sleek predators (plus many other big cats, too).

A coalition of four male cheetahs traversed the plains near the Boro River, offering an unforgettable spectacle with their synchronized movements and hunting strategies. One morning, a mother cheetah with two cubs was also observed, providing guests with a rare and touching moment as she nurtured her young and began teaching them the skills needed to survive.

Leopard sightings were even more spectacular. A mother leopard with her cub continued to delight guests, and they were frequently seen near Tent 17. Watching the cub’s playful antics while the mother kept a watchful eye was a highlight for many. A more elusive male leopard was also seen often, but he remained more skittish, often dashing into the bush.

This month, the wildfires around the reserve sparked new grass growth, attracting a remarkable variety of general game close to the camp. Massive herds of zebras and wildebeests filled the plains while giraffes moved gracefully among the trees. Warthogs, impalas, tsessebes, kudus, steenboks, and common reedbucks also thrived, taking advantage of the fresh, succulent shoots. This surge in prey population also influenced the behaviour of predators, leading to more frequent sightings and interactions.

Lions on the hunt at Moremi Crossing

We witnessed a dramatic attempt by a pride of lions to take down an injured buffalo. The lions, numbering six, launched a coordinated attack on the animal, which had been separated from the herd due to its injury. Despite its condition, the buffalo put up a fierce fight, fending off the lions and escaping. Though unsuccessful, the sight of the coordinated attack and the buffalo’s tenacity was truly fascinating. Another buffalo was not so lucky. Near Chief’s Island, a pride of 13 lions was found feeding on a freshly killed buffalo carcass, their bellies full and their behaviour relaxed as they rested after their feast.

Spotted hyenas were common, and multiple sightings were recorded across different locations. Their whooping calls often echoed through the night, creating a thrilling atmosphere for our guests.

Night drives revealed a treasure trove of smaller nocturnal mammals. With the help of spotlights, we observed servals gracefully prowling the grasslands, honey badgers showcasing their tenacity, and African civets and genets moving stealthily through the shadows. Porcupines, banded mongooses, and water mongooses made frequent appearances as well, with the latter often seen taking advantage of the receding riverbanks. Side-striped jackals and bat-eared foxes were also regularly observed.

African wild dog sightings were initially sparse due to flood-induced movement restrictions, but as the Boro River dried up, we were treated to some unforgettable moments. One morning, we tracked a pack of 19 African wild dogs on a hunt, which ended in a successful impala kill.

Lesser spotted eagles, steppe eagles, amur falcons, and European rollers were among the migratory birds observed, their distinct calls adding a musical backdrop to the wilderness. Red-breasted swallows, lesser-striped swallows and southern carmine bee-eaters flitted across the sky, showcasing their bright colours.

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Dinare Camps, October 2024

Dinare Camps, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

One rare highlight was spotting a caracal near a tent, which guests initially mistook for a lion cub.

The Gomoti River was a magnet for the general game, especially in the heat of October. Mokoro safaris remained a highlight, with sightings of elephants, spur-winged geese, pygmy geese, and African jacanas. Large herds of buffalo, giraffes, elephants, and kudus gathered along the river banks. Crocodiles were frequently seen basking, while several were spotted feeding on a dead elephant in the water.

Night drives, meanwhile, revealed the secrets of the bush, with sightings of African wild cats, servals, and scrub hares. A standout moment involved lions attempting to hunt a porcupine, showcasing the challenges predators face even with small prey. Owls, including Verreaux’s eagle-owl and African barred owlets, added to the nocturnal magic.

The largest herd of buffalo spotted included over 500 individuals passing in front of Mma Dinare. Elephants often approached the camp during siesta hours, offering incredible close-up views.

One evening, a female leopard with blood-stained fur was seen drinking water, suggesting a fresh kill. The following morning, guides tracked her and discovered a male leopard feeding on an impala. Amazingly, a female leopard and her cub joined him, creating a rare sight of three leopards together.

Later in the month, a male leopard was spotted mating with a female near Rra Dinare Camp. Meanwhile, a young female leopard delighted guests by lounging on a rain tree branch, later seen feeding on an impala in a camel thorn acacia. Another resident female leopard with her five-month-old cub was also frequently sighted near Mma Dinare Camp, offering heartwarming views of her maternal care.

The Gomoti lion pride also offered spectacular moments. One lioness, caring for her four very young cubs, kept the pride nearby for protection. In one instance, the pride killed a zebra close to Mma Dinare Camp, and guests were treated to the rare sight of cubs venturing out. Another unforgettable sighting involved five subadults from Gomoti Pride near Mma Dinare’s Room 10. They stole an impala kill from a leopard, which hastily retreated to the safety of a fever berry tree.

The resident African wild dog pack of 32 was highly active, with 17 puppies joining hunts. On one occasion, the pack rested near Cat’s Pan after a morning meal. The next day, they were seen hunting impalas near Rra Dinare Camp, successfully taking down two impalas and feeding in two separate locations.

Another memorable sighting occurred near Nxaraga, where the pack took down three impalas after a dramatic chase by the river.

Small mammals delighted guests during night drives, with sightings of bat-eared foxes, porcupines feeding on sausage fruits, and black-backed jackals scavenging on the abundant impala remains.

Tracking cheetahs and the first rains

Zebras, tsessebes, impalas, and reedbucks were frequently seen along the river, while rarer species like sable and roan antelopes occasionally appeared. One morning, a relaxed eland was spotted between the camps.

We tracked the Dinare coalition of four male cheetahs for hours across vast areas of the Dinare Private Reserve, showcasing their relentless movement in search of prey. One morning, they were found resting but later successfully brought down a female kudu, allowing guests to witness their teamwork as they fed.

A female cheetah with four cubs continued to thrive in the area. Though young, her cubs began to demonstrate hunting instincts, often interfering with their mother’s hunts. In one remarkable sighting, guests witnessed the mother successfully kill a female impala and later return with her cubs to feed.

Another young male cheetah, recently separated from his mother, was spotted vocalizing and searching for her in an emotional scene.

After the first rains, sausage and large fever berry trees sprouted new leaves. The blooming of sausage trees attracted antelope and baboons, creating picturesque moments. Surprisingly, the Mopane trees began leafing early, adding a fresh green hue to the environment.

There were plenty of sightings of resident bird species, such as ground hornbills, kori bustards, tawny eagles, and wattled cranes. Summer migrants like yellow-billed kites, broad-billed rollers, and Wahlberg’s eagles also began arriving, adding to the excitement.

Tee’s pride, boasting 16 lions, including three-month-old cubs, demonstrated its hunting prowess. They were seen near the Paradise area attempting to hunt zebra, though the open terrain worked against them. Another thrilling encounter involved the pride trying to corner a warthog in the river but failing due to the prey’s speed.

The Gomoti boys, a coalition of three males notorious for disrupting local prides, were spotted roaming the area. Their presence caused the lionesses to remain cautious, hiding their young ones to avoid confrontations.

One morning, Tee’s pride was seen feeding on a freshly killed kudu near the Gomoti River, suggesting a successful nocturnal hunt. A few days later, the pride was located feeding on a dead elephant, likely a natural death, only to later have three unfamiliar males claim the carcass. Among these, one collared male was particularly aggressive, adding tension to the sighting.

The dead elephant near Rra Dinare attracted six hyenas, providing an exciting opportunity for guests to observe their feeding behaviour. Vultures were a common sight at predator kills, completing the ecological picture.

(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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Nxai Pan Camp, October 2024

Nxai Pan Camp, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

One afternoon, a lone lioness drank from the camp waterhole. As she rested beside the waterhole, three African wild dogs emerged from the bush, cautiously approaching to quench their thirst.

The lioness, however, had no intention of sharing! She chased them off, creating an intense standoff. The persistent and unrelenting wild dogs circled back multiple times, barking and trying to intimidate her. Finally, the lioness relinquished her spot, leaving the wild dogs to drink.

We also spotted three lionesses at the DWNP waterhole feasting on a wildebeest kill. Two lionesses, believed to be heavily pregnant, were suspected to have retreated deep into the thickets to give birth, making them somewhat elusive.

Later, in October, the pride of five lionesses returned to the camp waterhole in the late afternoon for a drink before heading south, their majestic forms silhouetted against the fading light.

Aardwolves, cheetahs and springboks

An aardwolf and her three cubs were seen near the middle road in one particularly heartwarming sighting.

We recorded three cheetah sightings, twice in the Letswaii area and once on Drifters Island.

A wide variety of species congregated near the waterholes and across the plains. Elephants, both breeding herds and bachelor bulls, were regular visitors, especially in the afternoons, where their mud and dust baths captivated photographers. Their playful interactions and trunk-spraying antics never fail to amaze. Dragonflies flitted above the waterhole, hunting tiny insects, while ground agamas basked in the sunlight. Leopard tortoises were spotted along the Baobab loop and west road. Butterflies, including the striking African monarch, yellow pansy, and scarlet tip, danced through the air, adding a delicate touch to the rugged landscape.

Nxai pan’s spring bird sightings

Egyptian geese, grey herons, and African open-billed storks were frequently seen alongside red-billed teals and white-faced ducks at the water. Overhead, raptors such as pale chanting goshawks, yellow-billed kites, bateleurs, and brown snake eagles patrolled the skies with crimson-breasted shrikes and Marico flycatchers fluttering in the thorn trees. The nesting white-backed and lappet-faced vultures near the road gave guests an incredible look at these fascinating scavengers.

Giraffe sightings were less frequent as they spent most of their time deep in the bush, venturing out to drink only occasionally. Buffalo numbers were similarly limited, with three bachelors spotted at the waterhole this month. However, with their elegant leaps, springboks could be seen feeding in the pans, often alongside impalas. Blue wildebeests made daily appearances, while solitary oryx bulls frequently sought shade during the hottest parts of the day, particularly near the route to Baines’ Baobabs.

Scrub hares grazed close to the camp at night, their large ears and wide eyes catching the light, while banded mongoose scurried near the waterhole in the early mornings.

Leopard tracks were frequently found across the camp and roads, tantalizingly reminding us of their stealth and mystery. Likewise, the spotted hyena activity was subtle but consistent. Tracks were frequently seen around the waterhole, and their eerie calls echoed through the night.Nxai Pan Camp’s open landscape, free from obstructive tree canopies, provided the perfect setting for guests to marvel at the Milky Way. The constellations Scorpio, Southern Cross, and Gemini sparkled brightly, while Sirius and Canopus stood out like celestial beacons. As the rainy season loomed, occasional clouds hinted at the imminent transformation of this extraordinary land.

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Pom Pom Camp, October 2024

Pom Pom Camp, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

Mid-month, an African wild cat and her kitten were seen near Tent 9. The kitten lingered for fantastic sightings while its mother moved in and out of the thickets.

Jackals, honey badgers, civets, genets, servals, more African wildcats, spring hares, and scrub hares were frequently spotted during early morning and night drives.

The Pom Pom landscape underwent a noticeable transformation as the water levels receded. Drying floodplains created expansive open areas dotted with patches of green grass, attracting grazers and making them prime hunting grounds for predators such as cheetahs and African wild dogs.

A pack of 20 African wild dogs were regularly sighted near camp. Early in the month, we located them chasing red lechwes through the rough terrain, and it was an exhilarating challenge to keep up with their incredible speed! One morning, during breakfast, a sudden commotion revealed the pack pursuing impalas at high speed near Aluminium Crossing. Later in the month, after tracking fresh footprints for over an hour, we found the pack resting near Kanana Crossing. On another unforgettable afternoon, the pack successfully brought down a red lechwe after a five-minute chase.

Two cheetahs were seen in the Letswaii area and one on Drifters Island.

Spotting hyenas and more during nature walks

During nature walks, we continued to see fresh cheetah tracks in various parts of the Pom Pom Concession and noted that many trees began sprouting new leaves. Some, like the sausage tree and camel thorn, started flowering and added splashes of colour to the dry bushveld.

Spotted hyenas were a constant presence throughout October, often seen during morning and night drives and walking safaris. They even made appearances close to camp during breakfast and dinner. A highlight was the active hyena den near Shine Bridge, where five playful cubs kept us entertained. The cubs cautiously explored their surroundings while the adults kept watch nearby, offering guests thrilling moments of interaction with this highly social predator.

Birdlife was prolific, with numerous species spotted along the river routes, lagoons, and floodplains. Among the highlights were wattled cranes, saddle-billed storks, grey herons, goliath herons, and various egrets. Raptors such as bateleurs, African fish eagles, and brown snake eagles patrolled the skies, while migratory birds like yellow-billed kites and European swallows signalled the changing season.

A mother leopard and her cub were frequently seen in the northwestern areas, often perched on termite mounds or resting in trees. On one occasion, the cub was spotted playing high in the branches, providing guests with an endearing display of its playful nature. Male leopards were also seen, with one tracked for over 30 minutes to an impala carcass hoisted in a tree — a sign of a close escape from nearby lions.

The Pom Pom pride, consisting of eight individuals, began the month resting under the shade in Rebecca Field. This pride frequently splits and regroups as they roam in and out of the area. Three lionesses with two cubs were often found near Xinega Lagoon, Paradise, and Rhino Lagoon, offering guests an intimate look at their familial dynamics.

Two big males were seen feeding on a red lechwe in the Mokoro Flood Plains, remaining in the area for three days. Later in October, seven lions were observed stalking red lechwes on Mochimbamo Island for over an hour, though their hunt was unsuccessful. The following morning, they were found drinking near Catfish Island.

Large herds of buffalo were regularly spotted along the floodplains and river routes, while elephants graced the landscape with their majestic presence. The diversity of species was remarkable, from impalas, reedbucks, waterbucks, kudus, and tsessebes to zebras, wildebeests, red lechwes, baboons, monkeys, steenboks, and hippos.

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Lebala Camp, October 2024

Lebala Camp, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

For three consecutive days, lions were seen in and around Lebala Camp. One remarkable morning, a male lion and two females made an impala kill right in camp. Their roaring at night provided a thrilling soundtrack for our guests.

The camp was the place to be this October.

Early mornings were filled with the melodic calls of arrow-marked babblers, golden weavers, and dark-capped bulbuls, a beautiful wake-up for our guests when sipping coffee around the fireplace. Other notable sightings included southern ground hornbills, wattled cranes, goliath herons, cattle egrets, African fish eagles, and hooded vultures.

Breeding herds of elephants frequented the area, and many wandered through the camp during the day and night. Massive herds of buffalo were spotted several times from the lounge, and three solitary buffalo bulls became regular visitors.

During night drives, African civets and African wildcats were seen in different areas, while a resident porcupine made brief nightly appearances under the main area deck during dinner. A flush of African monarch butterflies fluttering through the camp, their beautiful colours adding life to the drying landscape, was also observed.

Walking safaris at Lagoon camp and lion prides

Walking safaris were a highlight this month, offering a unique perspective on the bush. Being at almost eye level with warthogs, jackals, and red lechwes added an intimate connection to nature. Our guides also shared fascinating insights into animal tracks, droppings, and the medicinal uses of various plants.

One morning game drive, a male and a female lion were found mating near the airstrip. Another pride comprising two lionesses and seven cubs was tracked and located at Halfway Pan. Meanwhile, two well-fed male lions were sighted along Bale Road, their imposing presence a testament to a recent successful hunt. Another duo of males was also found lounging near Termite Road one morning, completing a month filled with impressive lion encounters.

A pack of 12 African wild dogs was encountered at Kubu Pan, resting in the shade on a warm afternoon. The next day, the same pack was observed chasing impalas, but unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in their hunt. One morning, their tracks were found near the camp.

Our dedicated guides tracked a male and female leopard and found them mating. We also spotted a young subadult female near Old Hippo Pool in a serene and relaxing sighting. During another drive, we discovered an impala carcass high up in a tree; however, despite our best efforts, the leopard was nowhere to be seen. The leopard had likely been chased away by lions, as there were scattered tracks nearby.

A spotted hyena with two cubs was seen near Skimmer Pan. On other occasions, hyenas were witnessed at the Stadium and Twin Pools. Their haunting calls often echoed through the night, and their tracks were found scattered around the camp each morning, evidencing their regular nighttime patrols. Porcupines were also seen twice near Skimmer Pan.

The woodlands were now dry, and the lagoon water levels steadily dropped. Crocodiles basked in the sun along the lagoon banks or stealthily swam across the river. There were daily sightings of giraffes, hippos, red lechwes, common reedbucks, tsessebes, kudus, wildebeests, and warthogs. Some game drives were made especially memorable with sitatungas and roan antelopes logged, most often in the morning.

The knobbly combretums, sausage trees, rain trees, and candle pod acacias were all blossoming, their fragrant flowers surrounding the area. The rain trees, in particular, were in full bloom, painting the area in shades of green and pink.

The clear October skies provided perfect conditions for stargazing. Guests were treated to stunning views of the Milky Way and familiar constellations like Scorpio and Orion. The absence of clouds allowed for breathtaking nights under the stars, making for magical moments around the campfire.

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Lagoon Camp, October 2024

Lagoon Camp, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

A coalition of two cheetah brothers was first seen resting along the Cutline. As the afternoon cooled, they became active and successfully hunted an impala, solidifying their reputation as the stars of the savannah.

The stars of our night drives this month were the usual foraging aardwolves, but there were precious pangolin sightings, too!

Even more unusual was the clash of African wild dog packs over an impala prey. Guests witnessed a vicious altercation between hyenas and African wild dogs one morning. The wild dogs, feeding on a freshly killed impala, drew the hyenas’ attention, sparking a ferocious battle over the carcass.

Just when guests thought the excitement had peaked, another pack of wild dogs arrived, chasing away the original pack to claim the prize. This unexpected turn of events made for an unforgettable morning and highlighted the unpredictable nature of wildlife sightings.

The one pack of six African wild dogs, visibly full from a recent meal, was also seen resting by Watercut before they moved towards Bee-eater Road.

The lions of Lagoon Camp

October began with thrilling sightings of the resident Holy Pride, which consisted of about 12 lions. A female lion with two adorable cubs, aged around 2 to 4 months, was spotted taking down a warthog in a remarkable display of hunting prowess.

The elusive Mma Mosetlha Pride returned triumphantly to the Kwando Private Concession, showcasing their strength and presence.

Two majestic male lions were also seen resting serenely by Kwena Lagoon. On Badisa Road, two male lions feasted on a sable (this antelope is not typically part of their diet). Meanwhile, along Humbok One Road, the Mma Mosetlha Pride took advantage of a natural opportunity, scavenging on a deceased elephant.

Other lion sightings included remarkable moments at Single Baobab and east of Muddy Waters. One of the three brothers from Lebala wandered onto Lagoon territory with a lioness and her three-month-old cubs, a delightful and unexpected visit.

Along Maheke Road, a den of over 20 spotted hyenas offered guests an incredible appreciation of their social dynamics. The airstrip and Bee-eater Road were also hotspots for hyena sightings.

Regular leopard sightings were recorded along Main Road and Water Affairs Island. A mother leopard with two cubs, aged 4 to 5 months, was frequently spotted along Number 1 Road and Water Affairs Island. They were even seen scavenging on an impala at Upper Kwando. Another unforgettable encounter involved a leopard with an impala carcass along Bee-eater Road.

Large herds of elephants and hippos frequented Lagoon Camp, Water Affairs Island, and the 1st and 2nd lagoons. Buffalo herds, sable antelopes, elands, and roan antelopes were also regularly sighted, along with side-striped jackals. The lagoons and waterways, including the 1st Lagoon, Muddy Waters, and Water Affairs Island, were home to some of the largest crocodiles, sunbathing along the banks or swimming stealthily. Water monitor lizards occasionally appeared, adding to the thrill of the sightings.

(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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Kwara and Splash Camp, October 2024

Kwara and Splash Camp, October 2024

Published October 31, 2024 by Kwando Safaris

An aardwolf foraging for termites near Ngorongoro eventually led us to its den, where we observed two adorable cubs.

As for bigger members of the hyena family, a clan of 25 spotted hyenas was observed feeding on an elephant carcass, while another group of 15 was spotted around a buffalo kill. The hyena den near Mothusi’s Crossing was active, though cubs have not yet been spotted outside.

The African wild dogs were exceptionally active, with hyenas often trailing them in hopes of scavenging. The resident pack of 17 adults and 11 puppies covered vast stretches of the concession. They were frequently seen hunting impalas, particularly targeting heavily pregnant individuals. One memorable sighting occurred at Kwara Camp, where the pack took down an impala just outside the kitchen area! Two territorial male lions later arrived to steal the kill, forcing the dogs to retreat.In another dramatic encounter, the pack hunted a red lechwe and successfully brought it down. The following morning, they were seen resting in the shade, their energy spent after a successful night of hunting.

Cheetah cubs and a leopard ambush

The first rains of the season arrived mid-month, transforming the landscape into a stunning patchwork of green. Mopane and sausage trees began sprouting fresh leaves, attracting giraffes, elephants, and kudus to feed on the tender foliage.

One exciting sighting involved a leopard perched on a sausage tree, waiting for impalas to graze beneath. The ambush proved successful when she leapt down, securing her prey right before our eyes. The cub, although shy, continued to be sighted playing in trees, providing plenty of entertainment during our drives.

The resident male leopard, Rra Tsebe, is known for his preference for reedbuck prey, and he was frequently spotted between Kwara and Splash camps. We also observed a mother leopard and her cub frequenting the eastern parts of the concession. The mother diligently fed her cub, as evidenced by kills spotted at Mabala, Dikgokong,and Giraffe Pan.

The mother cheetah and her four cubs continued to thrive in the Kwara Private Concession. The cubs, now more adventurous, occasionally disrupted their mother’s hunts and began to display budding hunting instincts.

A solitary male cheetah was spotted in the Bat-Eared Fox area, showcasing his hunting prowess with consistent success. Another coalition of two male cheetahs was also seen marking their domain near Ngorongoro, giving guests an incredible glimpse of their territorial behaviour. A memorable moment occurred when these brothers took down a young zebra after a strategic hunt.

The drying floodplains provided open spaces for grazing, drawing herds of zebras and wildebeest, while the flourishing vegetation created a vibrant habitat for both predators and prey.

Over at the Xobega heronry, waterbirds were actively nesting. We logged pink-backed pelicans and the migratory bird species, such as yellow-billed storks abd southern carmine bee-eaters, added richness to the skies and waters. Raptors, including martial eagles, bateleurs, and long-crested eagles, were also spotted frequently.

The drying floodplains created a prime grazing area, attracting diverse species. Buffalo herds were abundant, alongside zebras, wildebeest, giraffes and large herds of elephants with their young calves. We also recorded rare sightings of roan and sable antelopes, plus eland. Reedbuck, tsessebe, and warthogs were frequently encountered in the open plains. Aardwolves, African civets, honey badgers, and servals were spotted during night drives. Side-striped jackals with four shy pups were also located near Splash Camp, while porcupines were frequently seen south of Baboon Island.

Last but not least, the lions of Kwara

The Kwara Pride, comprising lionesses with cubs of varying ages — five, seven, and four months — was a highlight. This pride primarily roamed the western side near Bat-Eared Fox and has not ventured to Kwara Island or the camp as frequently as in the past. Four dominant males continued to follow the pride, ensuring its safety. Recently, three subadult lions (two females and one male) entered the area, demonstrating impressive hunting skills as they took down a buffalo bull in a thrilling display for guests.

Another dramatic moment unfolded as two lions from the Mopane pride attacked a solitary male near Jackal Pan. The intense fight lasted 45 minutes before hyenas joined the chaos, attempting to scavenge. This created a whirlwind of action, with the lion escaping amidst the commotion.

In addition to the Kwara Pride, two new male lions were spotted in the concession, one notably recognized by his one eye. Their presence appears to have forced the renowned solitary male lion, Johnnie Walker, to vanish from the area. Meanwhile, Mma Leitho pride remains active, working hard to protect their cubs from the intruding male lions.

We observed a spectacular sighting at Splash Camp, where a lioness hunted a zebra to feed the cubs. The cubs honed their hunting instincts by playfully chasing the tails of the protective males.

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