4 Rivers enjoyed exceptional predator sightings, with lions spotted almost daily around the camp and nearby areas.
The main pride consisted of 30 lions, including their cubs, and grew with the birth of new cubs estimated to be just two to three months old. This pride featured three dominant males, along with lionesses, subadults, and various cubs, and were regularly seen both east and west of the camp. The males actively maintained their territory while the females focused on raising their young.
On the 5th, we observed three females and three cubs stalking a fully grown male wildebeest east of the 4 Rivers lagoon. A few days later, we witnessed a rare interaction when a new male lion was seen mating two females who were not typically found in our area.
A few weeks later, the three dominant male lions were seen feeding on a subadult male elephant east of the Paradise area. They were accompanied by a large flock of vultures and black-backed jackals who patiently waited for their turn at the carcass. This classic interaction between a predator and scavenger offered an exciting and dynamic sighting.
The resident female leopard and her son were regularly seen around the camp, especially at night, as they continued their territorial patrols and hunting. On the 9th, we heard vervet monkeys alarm calling, and when we investigated, we saw the mother and her son in the western part of the camp, feeding on a freshly killed impala under the toothbrush trees. These sightings provided incredible close-up views of these intriguing animals and their behaviour.
We also spotted a dominant male cheetah resting by a termite mound, showing clear signs of having eaten earlier that morning.
Two packs of African wild dogs seen at 4 Rivers
African wild dog sightings were slow in early December but increased dramatically by mid-month. We tracked a pack of 27 African wild dogs, including puppies, who were on a serious hunt west of Roan Road. The pack had their sights set on a group of roan antelope, and within minutes, the chaos of the hunt unfolded as they successfully targeted one of the young. After hunting, they rested under the shade of some jackalberry trees, hiding themselves from other predators.
Towards the end of the month, we saw the resident pack of 12 African wild dogs near the camp, feeding on a baby impala. This pack had returned after a brief absence following a heavy downpour, and it was great to see them back in action.
The vast area surrounding the camp is home to many spotted hyenas, and we have observed tracks and sightings almost daily. Spotted hyena activity increased, especially near the den located north of the 4 Rivers airstrip. This den was a highlight for guests, with up to 12 cubs of various ages often seen playing around the area. The adults were also frequently spotted as well, gathering in numbers of 30 or more before heading out to hunt or scavenge. Hearing their calls at night truly enhanced the genuine African experience.
New life after the rains at 4 Rivers
The landscape at 4 Rivers transformed beautifully with the arrival of the rains. Both seasonal and permanent floodplains became lush and green, a stunning backdrop for wildlife sightings, particularly at sunrise and sunset. The abundant greenery made the area even more breathtaking for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Herds of zebras, buffaloes, blue wildebeests, tsessebes and large elephant herds were abundant after the rains, particularly in the plains surrounding the camp.
This month, there was a lot of excitement with the birth of newborns from various antelope species, including impalas, tsessebes, red lechwes, and giraffes, which appeared throughout the month. In addition, small mammals such as jackals, foxes, springhares, and banded mongooses were frequently spotted.
Reptile sightings were frequent, particularly of an enormous Nile crocodile often seen basking in the far corner of the riverbank in front of the main camp, along with water monitor lizards, rock monitor lizards, and leopard tortoises. Additionally, various insects, such as sundowner moths and dung beetles, were commonly seen during our safaris, contributing to the richness of the ecosystem.
The birdlife at 4 Rivers was exceptional, featuring the return of many summer migratory birds. Large flocks of southern carmine bee-eaters were frequently spotted, particularly near the water. Other notable species included broad-billed rollers, yellow-billed kites, and woolly-necked storks. An exciting highlight was when a Western osprey struggled to catch a large catfish from the water, providing interesting bird watching for our guests.
Most days ended with exceptional stargazing, where guests viewed the Milky Way, Orion’s Belt, the Southern Cross, as well as other constellations.
(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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