Category: 4 Rivers

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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Several jackals denned throughout the Kwara Private Concession, and black-backed and side-striped jackal pups emerged from their underground homes during game drives and offered adorable sightings for guests.

A spotted hyena den near the camp also provided consistent sightings of cute cubs.

More soberingly, a female aardwolf with five cubs was spotted near Maboa Island. Tragically, the mother fell victim to a python, which was seen swallowing her near the den as her terrified cubs scattered. This scene reminded us of the harsh realities of life in the wild! Other reptiles, such as boomslang and spotted grass snakes, were also observed.

African wild dog activity in November was phenomenal, with three different packs observed moving in and out of the Kwara Private Concession. A pack of four dogs occupied the Paradise area, while a resident pack of 12 roamed the western side. The largest pack, consisting of 27 dogs, covered a vast hunting range and occasionally ventured into neighbouring territories.

One of the most dramatic sightings involved an encounter between the pack of 27 and the pack of 12. After tracking the larger pack for over an hour near the main crossing, we found them resting with bloodied faces, indicating a recent kill. Suddenly, the pack of 12 approached the same area, triggering a chaotic clash. Both packs engaged in a frenzied chase, accompanied by high-pitched whining and snarling. Despite the confusion, the dogs quickly regrouped with their respective packs, and the larger pack forced the smaller pack to retreat. The victorious pack reclaimed the hunting grounds while their puppies remained safe.

Rains arrive in the Okavango Delta

The arrival of the rains transformed the landscape, creating lush grazing grounds that attracted abundant wildlife. Walking safaris offered close encounters with giraffes, zebras, and impalas. Guests also learned about animal tracks and the unique ecosystems of seasonal pans, which started filling with rain. Leopard tortoises appeared in good numbers after these first showers of the season. Mopane woodlands sprouted new leaves, offering more nourishment for the herbivores. Elephants were less concentrated along the floodplains due to more natural pans in the woodlands, which provided plenty of food and water. However, lone bulls and smaller herds were frequently sighted, particularly in the Paradise area.

A lone male cheetah claimed dominance in the Paradise area and expanded his territory, patrolling as far west as the camp. His movements put him at odds with a coalition of two younger males who frequented the same territory. The two younger cheetahs fled whenever they encountered the dominant male, avoiding direct confrontation.

On the 10th, the coalition of two was spotted near Double Crossing, feeding on a male lechwe they had taken down earlier in the afternoon. That same day, the lone dominant male was found southeast of Paradise, resting on a termite mound with a full belly. His commanding presence ensured the younger cheetahs stayed out of his way.

Herds of buffaloes, numbering in the hundreds, roamed the concession, their dark silhouettes contrasting beautifully against the vibrant green grass. Red lechwes congregated near seasonal floodplains, while zebras and giraffes flourished in the safer areas west of the camp.

Mokoro activities continued throughout November and provided tranquil moments. Sightings of water striders, several frog species, and water plants enhanced the peaceful ambience of the Okavango Delta.

Though, it wasn’t always peaceful.

Leopards and lions and kills aplenty

The resident mother leopard and her male cub captivated our guests. The cub often explored near camp while the mother was out hunting. On the 15th, the mother was spotted stalking a steenbok near Marula Pan, which she skilfully killed. However, her success attracted black-backed jackals, whose loud alarm calls drew the attention of a male lion. The lion appeared from the west and went directly to the kill. Thankfully, the leopard reacted swiftly, dragging her meal up a tree just in time. The lion sniffed the area, eventually locating the base of the tree and gazing up at the leopard. Unable to climb, the lion eventually gave up and walked away. Guests marvelled at this tense encounter and watched as the leopard began feeding on her hard-earned meal.

One of the most thrilling interactions involved a pride of nine subadults taking on a massive herd of over 100 buffaloes. After almost an hour of strategic stalking and relentless effort, they brought down a medium-sized male buffalo. We located another pride of 11 lions east of 4 Rivers Lediba, feasting on a male buffalo carcass.

This dominant pride continued to thrive, with five lionesses nursing cubs, creating exciting and playful sightings for guests. The cubs were often observed chasing each other or practising their hunting skills under the watchful eyes of their mothers.

The three dominant male lions frequently patrolled their territory, ensuring their authority remained unchallenged. One of these males was found feeding on a fresh buffalo kill near Dead Tree Marsh. Over 20 hyenas were spotted scavenging on this carcass. Guests were fascinated by the intense interactions between the scavengers, their eerie whoops filling the air.

We experienced excellent birding with large flocks of yellow-billed storks, marabou storks, and collared pratincoles dominating the skies. African skimmers were frequently seen near the 4 Rivers Lagoon, along with breeding pairs of wattled cranes, slaty egrets, and various geese and ducks.

Vivid sunsets painted the horizon in fiery hues, and lightning illuminated the night sky during occasional thunderstorms. Stargazing was still remarkable, with constellations such as Orion and Venus standing out clearly against the dark backdrop.

(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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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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September brought unforgettable sightings of a pride of 24 lions near the Kazungula area. This considerable pride was frequently spotted in an unusual display where several lionesses perched in trees, attempting to escape relentless flies.

Two mothers are currently lactating within this pride. One lioness has three cubs around five months old, while the other has four cubs approximately four months old. These cubs have already been introduced to the rest of the pride, making for some touching scenes of interaction.

African wild dogs on the hunt

Two African wild dog packs dominated sightings this month. A smaller pack of 12, including seven adults and five puppies, roamed near 4 Rivers Camp, thrilling guests when they brought down a kudu in front of Room 1.

The larger pack of 28, with 16 adults and 12 puppies, delivered breathtaking action as they skillfully hunted and killed a wildebeest near Kazungula Road.

Leopard kills and clean-up crews

We tracked a large male leopard near Baboon Island as it stalked a group of blissfully ignorant impalas. The hunt ended without a kill but nevertheless left spectators spellbound. Elsewhere, a female leopard and her nine-month-old cub showcased their hunting prowess, feeding on a red lechwe carcass near Sedudu Island before successfully taking down a common reedbuck the next day.

The highlight came west of camp at the JD Spillway, where an unusual interaction between a mother leopard, her cub, and a large male unfolded over an impala kill. The male, presumably her sibling from several years ago, was noticeably uneasy in the company of the others, highlighting the complex dynamics of leopard family life.

Speaking of family. On 17 September, excitement peaked when the 24-strong lion pride was spotted feasting on a buffalo carcass along Fishing Spot Road. Later, we observed a dramatic confrontation as three dominant males, aged seven to nine years, chased away two subadult males. Though born from the same pride, these young lions are now being pushed out to prevent inbreeding. It’s a tough but natural rite of passage.

Hyenas played their role as the bush clean-up crew and were frequently spotted scavenging along Mokoro Road. They feasted on an elephant carcass and were glimpsed near the staff village as they roamed about at night. Their cackling calls and efficient scavenging habits were a great reminder of their vital ecological role.

Cheetah tracks and reptilian encounters

The golden grasses of the dry season painted a striking contrast against the vibrant blue skies. The barren terrain offered exceptional visibility for game viewing. The diversity of Botswana’s bush during the dry season was on full display, with elephants, buffalo, and zebras frequently spotted alongside wildebeest, kudu, reedbuck, baboons, red lechwe and more.

Smaller mammals added charm to September’s wildlife tableau, from springhares bounding across the plains to fruit bats hanging about the trees in the main area. Lesser bushbabies dazzled guests on evening drives, while the sight of steenboks delighted daytime explorers. One particularly memorable moment featured elephants and warthogs enjoying a mud bath west of the helipad, where we also found an African rock python slithering toward the water on another game drive.  

Guests learned about animal tracks and medicinal plants on foot, while mokoro rides provided a serene exploration of the water channels.

Although cheetah sightings were less frequent this month, we did pick up several sets of tracks in the Tsum Tsum area, keeping us hopeful for future encounters.  

Crocodiles were ever-present along the channels, basking in the sun, mouths agape, regulating their body temperature — a behaviour that never fails to intrigue.

A September sky full of stars

The Scorpius constellation and the bright planet Venus adorned our September skies, offering perfect conditions for stargazing. Guests marvelled at the heavens from around the campfire, deepening their connection with the bush’s timeless rhythms.

(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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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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One day, eleven hyenas, known for their opportunistic hunting, chased a herd of about thirty plains zebras. However, they abruptly shifted their focus to a breeding herd of elephants.

The chase continued for nearly an hour before the hyenas, thwarted by the rising heat, abandoned their pursuit and retreated to the shade of the Kalahari star apple bushes for the day.

Wild dogs denning? The search intensifies

The area around 4 Rivers Camp boasted a healthy population of spotted hyenas, often seen during early morning and late evening drives, and a pack of seven wild dogs offered regular sightings during June. Notably, the alpha female went missing, leading us to believe the pack might be denning nearby. Their recent movements were concentrated north of 4 Rivers Camp, and we eagerly anticipated the discovery of their den. The guides redoubled their tracking efforts, check in for the July edition for more details…

A resident female leopard was frequently seen stalking impalas and taking down prey, such as a common reedbuck lamb west of 4 Rivers Camp. On one occasion, she and her six-month-old cub were flushed from a kill by a group of eight lions! This forced them to seek refuge in a nearby tree. The tension in the air was palpable as our guests watched in awe from the game drive vehicle at this remarkable display of survival instincts.

Lion prides and coalitions around 4 Rivers Camp

Several different lion prides and coalitions were regularly spotted within and around the camp during morning and afternoon safaris. Highlights included the Sedudu Pride with three adult females and three subadult males, the ‘Two Boys’ coalition dominating the west. They were frequently seen around the marshy areas to the east and south of camp. Additionally, three adult females patrolled near the camp and into the Mopane woodlands, while a solitary female was observed on Maboa Island. Towards Paradise, we tracked three resident males with a large female and her two offspring.

Whilst the grass on the mainland dried out the trees remained lush and green, especially along the riverine areas where the daily influx of floods attracted more and more game. The safari camp area was rich with wildlife, with large herds of elephants and plains teeming with a variety of herbivores, including zebras, common reedbucks, red lechwes, impalas, giraffes, African buffalos, tsessebes, chacma baboons, vervet monkeys, greater kudus, common waterbucks, blue wildebeests, steenboks, sable and roan antelopes, and hippos.

The camp was busy with life despite the winter chill. A black mamba was discovered near the kitchen, with starlings mobbing the snake, alerting us to its presence. Additionally, a crocodile was often seen basking on the sandbank in front of the firepit, soaking up the sun. A resident African civet was frequently seen between tents 8 and 9 during late evening safaris. During these night drives, we also had great views of springhares, honey badgers, and genet cats.

The night skies were breathtaking, offering clear views of prominent constellations and stars. Guests marvelled at the Milky Way, Orion’s Belt and Scorpio while spotting Canopus in the constellation of Carina, Sirius in Canis Major, and the two pointer stars, Alpha and Beta Centauri. The frequent shooting stars added an extra touch of magic to our stargazing sessions!

(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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A standout sighting was observing 11 lions riding on the back of a stranded hippo found in a drying pond.

The hippo made a dash through Croton Island, escaping to the permanent water body with lions aboard, south of Paradise Island. We also witnessed three females taking down a male red lechwe around Double Crossing, Paradise Island.

Most early mornings, with the sun barely peeking over the horizon, we heard the powerful roars of the resident pride of five lions. The pride, consisting of two majestic males and three regal females, had settled near our camp.

Additionally, there’s a coalition of two brothers ranging from the west to Mabowa Island up to Mokoro Station. Another smaller pride of four females with a six-month-old cub operates around the 4 Rivers Lediba area.

Mother leopard patrols 4 Rivers

Our resident leopard sightings have been remarkable, especially observing a female leopard with her five-month-old cub around the 4 Rivers Camp area.

This mother operates around Deadtree Island (a unique habitat known for its dense tree cover and abundant prey) Maboa Island, and the Leopard Road area to the west, all prime hunting grounds for leopards. On one occasion, she was sighted around camp with an impala kill, feeding with her cub.

We also tracked down sightings of two cheetahs around Dead Trees Marshes during the first week of May. However, they moved westward towards Spillway. Tracks and impala alarm calls were followed, and another male cheetah was observed marking its territory in Paradise Island’s northwest.

Mokoro trips at 4 Rivers

The landscape displayed handsome contrasts with drying grasses and green floodplains. The arrival of floods brought a vibrant display of colours, attracting aquatic animals like the red lechwe to wade in the water. We enjoyed longer mokoro excursions, spotting frogs and watching birds. Various bird species were seen in different locations, including around the camp surroundings, with bee-eaters, rollers, waders, and eagles being logged. Walking safaris provided opportunities to observe general wildlife and learn about tracking.

Monitor lizards and striped skinks were observed during day drives, while other reptiles like snakes remained elusive due to the cooling seasonal changes. Herds of elephants, dazzles of zebras, and small herds of sables, roans, and tsessebes were also spotted across all areas, making for fantastic general game viewing. Large herds of buffaloes were sighted along the flood plains, drawn by fresh tillers.

Leopard vs buffalo vs hyenas

A gripping sighting of another leopard along Fox Road had guests watching the cat battling with hyenas for a buffalo calf. The calf fought valiantly for survival despite sustaining a broken spine from hyena bites, and eventually both the leopard and buffalo cow gave up on the youngster as it succumbed to the pack of hyenas.

Hyenas have been spotted around 4 Rivers Lediba and along Mokoro and Airstrip Road. We witnessed a battle between hyenas and lions around 4 Rivers Lagoon, where six lions were surrounded, and the hyenas took over their reedbuck carcass. Social interactions among hyena members were also observed, often signalled by their distinctive laughing calls.

Dances with painted wolves

There were fantastic wild dog sightings, with a pack of seven staying in the area for two weeks. They moved around the western areas and north through Mopane Woodland, displaying denning behaviour, particularly the alpha female who is heavily pregnant. Witnessing their chase and catch of a male reedbuck west of JD Crossing was particularly thrilling. The speed and coordination of the pack were truly impressive, and it was a sight to behold as they worked together to bring down their prey.

Springhares, African civets, genets, wild cats, and bush babies were sighted during night drives returning to camp. These nocturnal creatures were most active during the early hours of the evening, providing us with a unique opportunity to observe their behaviours in their natural habitat.

The weather was mostly clear and sunny, providing us with excellent visibility for wildlife spotting. At night, the sky offered breathtaking views during night drives, with a beautiful pink light after sunset followed by bright stars and the Milky Way, including the Southern Cross constellation.

(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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After a mokoro excursion, fresh tracks led us to two male cheetahs resting under a mopane tree in the open floodplains.

One of the males marked several spots before they both headed west.

African wild dog sightings were a highlight! A pack of seven traversed the river at JD’s Crossing, a popular spot for wildlife crossings, and again north of the Paradise area, a lush and diverse habitat.

During one particularly exhilarating game drive, a solitary male African wild dog was seen investigating some blue bushes. In a heart-pounding turn of events, it suddenly gave chase and, after a 25-minute struggle, managed to seize an African civet! It fed on the civet, and we noted that the wild dog had a broken front left leg and was nabbing any opportunity for food.

Will I see lions at 4 Rivers Camp?

Early in the month, we tracked a pride of four lions, including a mother with a cub about four months old and two subadults north of the Paradise area. This pride was frequently seen on kills, providing fantastic viewing opportunities. Later in April, we encountered another pride of 18 lions, including three dominant males, feasting on a buffalo.

The same three males were spotted east of 4 Rivers Camp, following a large herd of buffaloes. We trailed them for a while before they decided to rest under the bushes. Another pride of six lionesses with one cub was seen at 4 Rivers Lediba. Although they attempted to stalk some wildebeest, alarm calls from impalas thwarted their hunt, forcing them to move further east. A young male lion and his mother were found northeast of the camp. The young male unsuccessfully attempted to hunt buffalo while his mother watched lazily from the grass.

Elephants in camp and a watery wonderland

General game sightings were abundant, with elephants crossing the river in front of the camp, providing spectacular views. Roan antelopes and sable were present in good numbers, along with a massive herd of over a thousand buffaloes west of the concession. Giraffes, zebras, kudus, waterbucks, hippos, red lechwes, common reedbucks, and tsessebes were also commonly seen, with many young animals adding to the wildlife scene.

We located a female leopard with her four-month-old cub in the woodlands west of the camp. They were spotted again during a night drive. Two leopards were also seen at the Tsum Tsum area on a kill, although they retreated into the bushes upon our arrival.

Seasonal floodplains, areas that are periodically flooded and provide rich feeding grounds for wildlife, started to fill with water, and blooming plants attracted numerous insects and insect-eating birds. Walks were fantastic, and April was a season for wildflowers, observing insect life and small reptiles. We also had the opportunity to cautiously approach elephants and buffalo during nature walks on Maboa Island. Drying natural pans in the woodlands pushed elephants and buffaloes toward the riverine areas, where they enjoyed the fresh, green grass. Crocodiles fed on the trapped catfish in some of these pans.

Nature’s marvels during a mokoro ride

During our mokoro activities, where we navigated the channels in traditional dugout canoes, some painted and long-reed frogs remained visible. Guests also had terrific sightings of water birds from a lower perspective, such as the malachite kingfisher and African jacanas. Both species of waterlilies beautified the channels with their gorgeous colours.

(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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A pride of 10 lions with cubs became a familiar sight. Adding to the spectacle, three imposing males from the Kwara pride patrolled the region between 4 Rivers Camp and Kwara Camp.

Another remarkable morning, we ventured eastward on a game drive, reaching the Paradise or Tsum Tsum area, where we were treated to the sight of 13 lions resting in the expansive flood plains. Two days later, a male lion was sighted in the southern part of 4 Rivers lagoon, engaging in scent marking. Venturing northwest of Tsum Tsum, we traced the tracks of a significant lion pride, numbering nine. We explored the area further, discovering the remnants of a tsessebe antelope in the grassland, with hooded vultures perching on nearby trees. To our delight, we found the pride lying down in the nearest bushes, their bellies full from a recent feast.

Three lions were spotted in the morning at Last Mabala, stealthily stalking red lechwes. However, the openness of the area thwarted their attempt. Later that afternoon, we discovered three male lions resting along J.D Spillway. Another more minor pride of five lions secured their breakfast by capturing two warthogs and a red lechwe.

In mid-February, two leopards were observed along the main road to Kwara in the eastern part of the area. Later that day, in the afternoon, a male leopard made a captivating appearance along the scenic flood plains. Adding to the leopard tales (or should they be tails?), we had a delightful encounter with a serene female leopard one morning as she actively hunted tree squirrels. We closely followed her for approximately an hour as she skilfully navigated different habitats, transitioning from grassland to thickets in search of potential prey. Despite her efforts, she didn’t achieve a successful hunt and eventually settled down to rest in the nearest bushes.

On multiple occasions, a cheetah was observed in the northeastern region of the Paradise area, consistently displaying the vibrant energy of a young male.

Abundant Wildlife: Zebras, Elephants, and Avian Delights

The landscape came alive with zebras scattered throughout the area, alongside wildebeest, red lechwes along the floodplains, and the distinctive figures of warthogs and kudus. Substantial herds of elephants and buffaloes frequented the vicinity around the camp. These majestic creatures often visited the main river for a refreshing drink during the late afternoon.

Crocodiles lurked in the 4 Rivers lagoon and other pans, feeding on trapped fish and taking advantage of the drying conditions. Birds likewise congregated, feasting on the abundance. Among the avian residents, sightings of storks, African spoonbills, egrets, and ibises have offered special moments for observers.

Carmine bee-eaters, displaying their unique feeding behaviour near vehicles, were a delight for photographers. Birds of prey included the majestic bateleur eagles, martial eagles, numerous brown snake eagles, and the distinctive secretarybirds. Adding to the activity, the golden weavers began constructing their intricate nests in the green grass. 

A proliferation of water lily flowers in the river infused the mokoro excursions with beautiful colours. Guests also loved the charismatic presence of painted reed frogs. Due to diminished rainfall, floods have receded.

Still, the floodplains burst with exquisite grass species: the soft elegance of white-tufted snowflake grasses swayed in the gentle summer breeze and the warm glow of Natal red top grass created captivating scenery for enchanting sundowners that featured diverse cloud formations.

We had terrific glimpses of small spotted genets, civets and servals at dusk along the floodplains, witnessed during the night drive back to camp. Spotted hyenas were observed scavenging on carcasses abandoned by other predators in the region.  

Game drives offered glimpses of various snake species, including the impressive rock python, the visually striking spotted bush snakes, and the intriguing Mozambique spitting cobras.

(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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