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Category: Dinare

Dinare Camps, September 2024

Caracal were reported three times this month. One relaxed individual was observed along Impala Road, while another shy caracal was seen drinking at a waterhole.

This month also delivered an adrenaline-fueled spectacle. Kwando guides tracked the famed four cheetah brothers through dense mopane woodland to Roan’s Pan.

After a suspenseful 40-minute pursuit, the brothers were spotted in hunting mode. Their initial target, a dazzle of zebras, evaded them, but the action didn’t end there. A sudden burst of speed turned the tide as the brothers chased down and captured a common duiker, leaving guests in awe of astonishing agility. These four brothers continued to dominate the area, marking territory and showcasing their remarkable teamwork.

Another consistent highlight was a mother cheetah with her four cubs, now around four months old. Once shy, the cubs have grown bolder, and guests were treated to a spectacular moment when the mother took down a fully grown kudu. She later dragged the massive carcass into the shade, allowing her cubs to feast.

Four lion prides, four tiny cubs, and two elephant kills

At Rra Dinare, Tee’s pride made an epic return after months of absence. Their formidable presence was felt across the Dinare Private Reserve. Led by a single male, the pride of five lionesses and seven older cubs took down two young elephants within days. One memorable morning, they were discovered blood-stained and feasting on a subadult elephant carcass. Four days later, they had taken down another young elephant with the pride swarming the prey in under 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the territorial Gomoti Boys continued to assert their dominance, showing guests the complex lives of lions with their overlapping territories and pride dynamics.

Rra Dinare Lion
Image taken by KA Pride

Over at Mma Dinare, the resident lion pride delighted guests with the debut of four tiny cubs, just a few weeks old.

These vulnerable additions brought tender moments to the harsh wilderness, while their mothers and the pride’s three dominant males showcased their strength and unity by hunting in the Paradise Grasslands. Meanwhile, the Batshabi Pride solidified their reputation as buffalo specialists with multiple successful hunts throughout the month.

Spotted hyenas were often seen scavenging from lion and cheetah kills. At Mma Dinare, guests frequently visited an active hyena den near the camp, where pups played under the watchful eyes of the adults. At Rra Dinare, Kwando guides tracked some intriguing drag marks for over an hour, eventually locating a secretive new den where eight hyena cubs were observed outside with adults.

A growing pack of African wild dogs and lots of leopards

At Mma Dinare, a massive pack of 32 wild dogs, including 15 playful puppies, was spotted near camp. Guests were captivated by the interactions between the adults and puppies, especially as the pack returned from hunts to regurgitate food for the young ones

At Rra Dinare, wild dog tracking became an adventure. One sighting involved nearly two hours of following tracks before the dogs were found playfully interacting near their temporary den. The pack’s hierarchy was shifting, with a younger subordinate male stepping into leadership roles as an ageing alpha male started to take a backseat.

Rra Dinare Leopard
Image taken by KA Pride

At Mma Dinare, a large male leopard was frequently seen with impala kills hoisted high in the trees. Rralebodu, the dominant male, continued to assert his dominance, mating with multiple females and successfully hunting warthogs, dragging one up a tree.

On one occasion, we followed alarm calls from birds and impalas, which led to the discovery of a leopard cub. While searching for the cub, the guides stumbled upon its mother, also with a fresh kill – a phenomenal double sighting!

At Rra Dinare, an extraordinary interaction unfolded between a female leopard and an intruder near her kill, which was secured up a raintree. The two leopards engaged in a tense standoff, vocalizing and salivating but avoiding physical confrontation.

Great game – day and night!  

The dry, dusty plains were softened by the blooming sausage trees. Their red flowers lured baboons and impalas to their shade while giraffes eagerly awaited the ripening pods.

Although receding, the Gomoti River still allowed for short mokoro trips, during which guests enjoyed tranquil encounters with frogs, water lilies, and aquatic birds. The surrounding grasslands teemed with life. Elephants, giraffes, kudus, zebras, and buffalo herds moved in harmony with red lechwes and reedbucks, while roan sable antelopes took up residence in the woodlands nearest the river. Hippos and crocodiles ruled the waterways.

The arrival of summer migrants enriched the birdlife. Carmine and European bee-eaters dazzled with their vibrant colours while the haunting call of the African fish eagle echoed along the Gomoti River. Yellow-billed kites, yellow-billed storks, and various other species were frequently seen, offering spectacular birding opportunities.

Guided bush walks provided guests with a deeper connection to the wilderness, focusing on animal tracks, plants, and smaller creatures.

Night drives revealed honey badgers, porcupines, servals, civets, genets, and bat-eared foxes.

(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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Dinare Camps, August 2024

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.

Lion Rra Dinare Okavango

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.

Rra Dinare campfire

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. 

(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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Dinare Camps, July 2024

The floodplains of Mma Dinare were a playground for two remarkable coalitions of cheetahs. One is a powerful group of four males, while the other features a mother and her four cubs.

The agility and coordination these predators display as they hunt impalas, baby kudus, and red lechwes were truly a sight to behold. Watching them stalk their prey through the grasses and then explode into a chase was a masterclass in survival for our guests.

At Rra Dinare, the Four Brothers — a well-known coalition of male cheetahs — continued to dominate. Their patrols often brought them close to camp, allowing guests to witness their calm yet determined movements as they marked their territory and searched for prey.

Two wild dog dens and a hyena home at the Dinares

Both camps were fortunate to have a pack denning in the area. At Mma Dinare, we’ve monitored a pack with four pregnant females. The most recent count revealed at least 16 puppies, with more likely hidden away in the den. The sight of the adults returning from a successful hunt to regurgitate food for the puppies has been a heartwarming and educational experience for all who witnessed it.

Similarly, at Rra Dinare, a pack of 7+ adults and 12+ puppies kept guides and trackers on their toes. The puppies, now about a month old, began exploring their surroundings, making every sighting exciting.

Wild dog Dinare Camp

The eerie calls of hyenas were a familiar soundtrack at Rra Dinare, where a den with 5+ adults and 7 lively pups was located. These scavengers are highly social creatures, and watching the pups interact with their mothers and siblings provided valuable insight into their complex family structures.

The general game was plentiful with the floodwaters rejuvenating the landscape and drawing large herds of elephants, buffaloes, and zebras to the riverbanks. The lush greenery attracted impalas, tsessebes, giraffes, kudus, waterbucks, and rarer species, like sable and roan antelopes. Aquatic birds such as African jacanas, wattled cranes, and pelicans were spotted frequently.

The rising floodwaters allowed us to resume mokoro excursions, offering guests a tranquil and immersive way to experience the delta’s winding waterways. From the vantage point of these traditional dugout canoes, guests enjoyed seeing African Jacana nests up close, animals bathing in the water and the ever-changing landscape as it blossoms with life. Hippos wallowing in the river and reedbucks grazing along the banks completed the idyllic Okavango scenery.

The lions of the Dinare Private Reserve

Lion activity was equally impressive. At Mma Dinare, a pride of seven lions — three young males and four adult females — were a frequent presence near camp, thanks to the floodwaters hemming them in. The anticipation was palpable as two of the lionesses are heavily pregnant, promising an exciting addition to the pride.

Meanwhile, at Rra Dinare, the formidable River Boys, a coalition of four dominant males, regularly patrolled their territory. These lions, along with a powerful lioness and her three growing cubs, captured the attention of all who visited. The tension between them and neighbouring prides were often recast into dramatic encounters, thrilling guests as they witnessed territorial disputes during game drives.

Though lion activity has been intense this month, reducing the number of leopard sightings, these secretive cats made occasional appearances. In the Nxaraga area near Mma Dinare, a female leopard and her two cubs claimed territory, making for touching sightings as the cubs grow bolder and more independent.

Nighttime adventures along the Gomoti River system

The campgrounds echoed with the calls of giant eagle owls. At Rra Dinare, the elusive male leopard known as Rra Lebodu was spotted a few times, even venturing into camp at night.

During night drives, both camps reported regular encounters with honey badgers, aardwolves, black-backed jackals, small spotted genets, civets, and bat-eared foxes.

(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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Dinare Camps, June 2024

Cheetah sightings were spectacular. The coalition of four brothers, known for their movements between the Dinare Private Reserve and Moremi Game Reserve, spent significant time with our guests.

Tracking these agile predators often required patience and the keen expertise of our guides, but the rewards were always well worth the effort. During one afternoon game drive, we located the thrilling sight of these cheetahs successfully hunting an impala. The coalition’s presence in the area provided countless other photographic opportunities, as they were often seen posing gracefully or engaging in high-speed pursuits.

Unusual wild dog denning at Dinare

Both camps recorded multiple encounters with African wild dogs, thanks to the discovery of wild dog dens on the eastern side of Rra Dinare, less than two kilometres from a spotted hyena den.

The pack of 19 wild dogs displayed unusual behaviour by establishing three dens within 200 meters of each other. Sadly, one of the females was found dead near the den site, but the presence of the dens suggests that new pups may soon be appearing, much to our anticipation.

A water-filled Gomoti River landscape

The annual floods transformed the area, with the Gomoti River channel rising and spilling over its banks. Water flowed through both camps, creating a lush, verdant environment. New grass shoots emerged, providing fresh grazing for herbivores. This natural spectacle offered stunning views from the main lounge deck, and mokoro excursions were a standout activity, with guests exploring the flooded channels and encountering animals from a unique and adventurous perspective.

Dinare Landscape Okavango Delta

The rising floods attracted various water birds, with a particularly noticeable increase in wattled cranes. Memorable sightings included grey herons, African fish eagles, and the elusive lesser jacana. Resident eagles, such as tawny, martial, and African hawk eagles, were also spotted throughout the month, adding to the rich avian diversity.

Lions and leopards of Dinare

The Gomoti Pride successfully took down a Cape buffalo, providing guests with a front-row seat to the pride feeding for three consecutive days between the camps. Vultures, including white-backed, hooded, and white-headed, were frequently seen scavenging on the carcass.

The lioness Mma-Tsebe and her five-month-old cubs were frequently spotted on the eastern side of Mma Dinare, adding a touch of tenderness to the otherwise fierce displays of power. The coalition of three brothers, known as the Gomoti Boys, were also active in the area, at one point stealing an impala kill from two unknown females. An unidentified pride of six lions was also sighted along Matotse Road, northeast of Mma Dinare, keeping the excitement levels high throughout the month.

Dinare Camp Lions

The resident male leopard, Rra Lebodu, was seen mating with a female along Maporota Road near Mma Dinare, while another female leopard and her 11-month-old cub were spotted feeding on an impala kill near Rra Dinare Camp.

A particularly intense moment occurred when two female leopards engaged in a territorial fight along the river between the camps. Rra Lebodu also provided an unforgettable experience when he was observed taking down a kudu after a couple of hours of tracking, showcasing the stealth and strength of leopards in their natural habitat.

Hyena sightings were extremely rewarding, with a den on the eastern side of our camps. Guests observed six cubs and ten adults, relaxed and unbothered by our presence. The hyenas were often seen on the move, particularly at night, and frequently spotted near kills, showcasing their role as opportunistic scavengers in the ecosystem.

With the Gomoti River being the only reliable water source as the dry season progresses, large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and kudus were seen regularly along the shores. Large crocodiles basked in the sun along the floodplains during game drives. The hippo pool near the camp was another highlight, with the hefty herbivores often emerging from the water during evening sundowners, providing a perfect ending to the day.

At night, black-backed jackals were the most common, often seen near kills or carcasses. Honey badgers, aardwolves, serval cats, and wildcats were also observed.

(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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Dinare Camps, May 2024

The resident coalition of four cheetah brothers offered some of the most exciting moments of the month. Guides logged up to 14 cheetahs in the area!

Our guides’ exceptional tracking skills led to some astonishing scenes, such as the four brothers working in perfect unison to bring down an impala.

One family of cheetahs, consisting of a mother and her four subadults, was also frequently observed. Then, another family of cheetahs, consisting of a mother with four tiny cubs, was located, adding to the camp’s cheetah population.

Big cats and big sightings at the Dinare Private Reserve

Lion sightings at Dinare Camps were abundant during May. At Rra Dinare, lions were spotted six out of seven days. The resident pride of five—one adult female, three subadult males, and one subadult female—frequently moved between Mma Dinare and Rra Dinare. Early in the month, we were captivated by a lioness and her three cubs near Room 9 at Mma Dinare. We watched in awe as they feasted on a kudu, their kill barely half an hour old.

As the month progressed, we witnessed Tee’s pride at a nearby Island before they crossed into the Moremi Game Reserve. By the end of May, the powerful Gomoti boys, two male lions, were seen feeding on a hippo west of Rra Dinare Camp.

Leopard sightings were equally extraordinary, particularly involving the resident male known as Mr Ralebodu. He was seen frequently moving between the two camps.

On one occasion, guests witnessed an incredible spectacle as Mr Ralebodu took down a kudu right in front of the game drive vehicles. This thrilling encounter provided a rare opportunity to observe a leopard’s hunting prowess from start to finish.

Additionally, a female leopard was often seen feeding on her kills, providing ample viewing opportunities.

Will the wild dogs den at Dinare this year?

African wild dogs provided several thrilling encounters. The pack of 18, including two heavily pregnant females, was seen frequently preparing burrows for their soon-to-be-born pups. A particularly memorable sighting involved following the pack as they hunted and successfully took down a kudu.

Both brown and spotted hyenas were regularly observed. Trackers discovered an active hyena den near Old Dibatana Camp, allowing guests to see hyena pups playing and interacting with adult hyenas. 

What is the water level like on the Gomoti River?

The rising water levels in the Gomoti River, a natural phenomenon, were a sight to behold. The increased water availability not only revitalized the landscape but also allowed for mokoro activities, providing an immersive traditional experience for guests.

Gomoti River

The general game around Dinare Camps was impressive, especially as animals congregated near the river due to drying waterholes. Guests enjoyed sightings of large herds of elephants, buffalos, impalas, red lechwes, tsessebes, wildebeests, giraffes, and more. The riverbanks, lush with green grass, became a hotspot for wildlife viewing.

Birdwatching remained rewarding despite the dry conditions. The arrival of fresher floodwaters in the Gomoti River brought an influx of aquatic birds, such as saddle-billed storks, egrets, jacanas, and fish eagles. Raptors like bateleur eagles, brown snake eagles, and numerous vultures were frequently seen feeding on leftovers from predator kills. Marabou storks and other scavengers added to the diverse avian 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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Dinare Camps, February 2024

There was a remarkable surge in leopard cub sightings, which excited everyone!

During one memorable drive, we observed a female leopard instructing her cub in the art of hunting, showcasing the finesse of stalking and suffocating prey as they targeted a young impala. Another highlight was encountering a female leopard with her two cubs and Rralebodu, a resident male leopard, frequently appeared between camps on game drives.

The Fantastic Four: Cheetah Brothers Reign Supreme

A group of four cheetah brothers, now considered residents and dubbed ‘The Fantastic Four’ were often seen along the boundary of Moremi Game Reserve. Additionally, the recent sighting of five new cheetahs bolstered their presence

As temperatures heated up, so did temperaments out in the Okavango Delta. A significant rivalry brewed between the River Boys’ lion pride (who reigned over the northern part of the Dinare Private Reserve) and the Three Gomoti Boys (who were eager to expand their territory from the west side of the Gomoti River). Their clashes were intense and we observed frequent fights, with their haunting roars echoing into the African nights. Guests sure got an authentic taste of the wild.

The presence of the Gomoti Boys in the territory suggests a shift in power, with Tee’s Pride now seemingly displaced, possibly relocating to Moremi Game Reserve next door.

Life of Lions: Mating, Resting, and Roaming

Lion sightings were always a highlight, but the plentiful sunshine sometimes made it challenging to spot them as they sought refuge from the heat in shaded areas for rest. However, we observed plenty of their habits. Exciting news awaits as two lionesses from the Batshabi Pride mated with the River Boys, raising anticipation for new cubs in the next three months. Additionally, the appearance of the old resident Nyakanyaka and his pride further south brought joy to the Dinare team.

Lions of Dinare

The landscape transformed towards the end of February as hundreds of buffaloes and elephants congregated near the river pans and major waterholes. We’ve observed a shift in the movement of these animals towards our camp and the Gomoti River. The dryness of the area has forced them to return earlier than expected, as natural ponds dried up and green grass became scarce. Fortunately, the river has provided a lifeline, offering water and green pastures. We logged a variety of general game, including elephants, buffaloes, impalas, red lechwes, and giraffes, both near the camp and during game drives.

Buffalo

African wild dogs were spotted chasing and taking down an impala one evening on a game drive, but we suspect the pack has divided and spread into other areas. Spotted hyenas were located along the riverbanks and scavenging for leftovers and potential prey during nocturnal game drives.

Migratory Birds and the Role of Vultures

Migratory birds, including European rollers and falcons, were spotted frequently in the area. Additionally, vultures and eagles have played a crucial role in assisting our guiding team. Due to the tall grass, our trackers used vulture activity to determine the freshness of kills, noting that smaller vultures, like hooded vultures, are typically the first to arrive at carcasses

(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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Dinare Camps, December 2023

A new lion pride heightened excitement this month. Boasting a headcount of approximately ten members — four youthful males and six females — moved into the Dinare Private Reserve, traversing the terrain around Mma and Rra Dinare camps.

This intriguing development signifies the coexistence of four distinct prides in the region: the established River Boys, Gomoti Boys, T Pride, and this new pride known as Batshabi. One afternoon, we tracked the Batshabi Pride trailing a buffalo herd, displaying remarkable stalking and ambushing strategies, resulting in the successful takedown of a female buffalo.

The resilient pack of 26 African wild dogs remained in the area. Impressively, the younger members of the pack have already joined the ranks of the seasoned hunters, displaying cooperative and skilful behaviour in several instances during our game drives.

Cheetah Santawani

As for the cheetahs, four brothers continued their patrol of the reserve, and we observed two females enjoying the plentiful prey species. In the last week of the month, we located the cheetahs mating and expect the cubs next year!  

Kwando guides also located a new spotted hyena den near the Dibatana water pan, and each time we visited, at least three or four members of the clan lazed about.

The leopards of the Dinare Private Reserve

The formidable Ralebodu leopard continued to exert his dominance over the territory. Additionally, a different youthful male consistently frequented the Rra Dinare Camp area. Among the leopard residents is a female with two young ones, both at the tender age of around six months, adding a touch of familial charm.

Abundant and diverse, the general game population thrived this summer. Majestic kudus, agile impalas, graceful red lechwe, and the stately presence of numerous buffalos and elephants. The water scarcity before the rains commenced in force made it easier to spot large crocodiles and snakes like pythons, mambas, and geckos. We watched as termites crafted beautiful mounds across the Okavango Delta terrain, and rains later in December cloaked the land in a vibrant green hue punctuated by the emergence of different flowers. The arrival of most intra-African migratory birds included woodland kingfishers, cuckoos, and woolly-necked storks.

(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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Dinare Camps, November 2023

A thrilling spectacle unfolded as a pack of 29 wild dogs, consisting of 9 adults and 20 lively puppies (roughly eight months old), lingered near the camps for weeks.

Their energetic presence reached a build-up when they skilfully took down an impala near Mma Dinare staff village.

November dazzled with extraordinary lion sightings across the Dinare Private Reserve. A group of seven lions captivated our attention as they feasted on a giraffe, possibly having splintered from the Santawani pride.

Along the riverine road, the Batshabi pride indulged in a buffalo feast in distinct episodes over three days. Tee’s Pride made a special appearance, and the previously expectant lioness proudly introduced her tiny cubs to the pride!

Okavango Delta water levels during November

We started seeing the water levels recede at the start of November, and the primary water source remained the reliable Gomoti River. These waters drew an impressive array of wildlife seeking respite from the scorching heat. Giraffes, elephants, buffalo herds, kudus, impalas, and reedbucks congregated along the shores.

Red lechwe

Despite the low water levels, mokoro activities provided a unique and intimate exploration. Guests immersed themselves in the wonders of water birds, observed the intricacies of reed frogs, and marvelled at the diverse water flowers and plants. Plenty of waterbirds, such as African jacanas and stork species. Kwando guides also reported how magnificent the transformed green landscapes are at this time of year. Yellow-billed kites, Wahlberg’s eagles, and the graceful broad-billed rollers were all logged.

Leopard sightings unfolded throughout the month. The resident female, accompanied by her 6-month-old cub, graced the landscape. Another unidentified female, with a 3-month-old cub, shared the paradise area with the resident male. Witnessing a subadult female leopard enjoying a meal atop a tree was yet another mesmerizing sighting.

Diving into the darkness, nightly safari adventures uncovered the elusive spotted hyena, the graceful genet, the mysterious African wild cat, the secretive African civet, the subtle scrub hare, and the regal serval cat.

During nature walks, guides delved into the intricacies of tracking and decoding the finer details of 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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Dinare Camps, September 2023

A day without encountering lions at the Dinare Private Concession is a rare day indeed!

While we cherish the existence of all predators, in this expanse of wilderness, lions reigned supreme. We located them enjoying the shade on most days and frequently on the trail of buffalo herds during the evenings once the landscape had cooled off.

The big cats of the Dinare Private Concession

Despite the heavy presence of these strong felines, cheetahs still found room to roam. A coalition of four male cheetahs has taken up residence in the plains, traversing between Moremi Game Reserve and Rra Dinare Camp. Did you know? Unlike many other big cats, cheetahs have a unique purring sound similar to domestic cats. While other big cats like lions, tigers, and leopards can’t purr, cheetahs possess a unique hyoid bone to produce this sound while inhaling and exhaling. This purring is often heard during social interactions, as we experienced during game drives, especially between a mother and her cubs, or during breeding encounters.

September gifted us some soaring temperatures, but the heat stirred up heightened activity across the floodplains as animals congregated to quench their thirst at the Gomoti River.

One particularly memorable sighting occurred close to Mma Dinare Camp. A stunning moment unfolded as a leopard secured an impala kill atop a Shepherd tree, delighting our guests. The leopards within this vicinity exhibit a relaxed disposition, barring the rightly wary females with cubs and the brazen territorial intruders.

The rich Dinare ecosystem showcases two diverse biomes, offering a wealth of avian wonders. With sightings of up to 200 bird species possible in a single day during the green season, Dinare is a sanctuary for bird enthusiasts, and we spotted both aquatic and semi-desert bird species, including kori bustards, secretarybirds, and plenty of vultures circling the skies.

Night drive sights of the Okavango Delta

Spotted hyenas preferred the cover of the night for their circling, and we often heard their calls resonating through the darkness when sitting around the camp fire. A fascinating fact about hyenas is their remarkable social structure. Hyenas exhibit a matriarchal society where the females are typically larger, more dominant, and socially rank higher than males. This structure leads to a unique dynamic within the group, with the female hyenas being particularly powerful, sometimes even sporting pseudo-penises (enlarged clitorises) that are almost indistinguishable from the male genitalia. This hierarchy among female hyenas often results in them being the primary decision-makers within the clan and holds significant weight in the group’s social order and behaviour.

Other scavengers of the wild, jackals were frequently sighted around carcasses, particularly the ubiquitous black-backed Jackals. While side-striped jackals were less common, they also made occasional appearances.

During night drives in September, animals such as small-spotted genets, honey badgers, civets and serval cats were spotted. Serval cats are well-known in Botswana for their exceptional hunting abilities. They are skilled at stalking rodents, birds, and even small antelopes with remarkable precision. Once clocked, they have the unique ability to leap vertically and strike their prey from a considerable height, sometimes jumping up to two meters (6.5 feet) in the air.

They use their excellent hearing to detect the slightest movements of their prey, allowing them to make precise leaps and pounce down on their victims with incredible accuracy.

(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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Dinare Camps, August 2023

We had abundant sightings of cheetahs, from witnessing four brothers on a hunt to encountering a coalition of two males and a female.

These majestic animals have been more conspicuous, and a solitary female on the park boundary made a guest appearance, too. The dry, clear terrain of this Okavango Delta region made it easier for trackers to anticipate their movements.

The African wild dogs of Dinare

Ever vigilant, the African wild dogs of the Dinare Private Reserve have been shuffling their pups around, strategically relocating them to avert threats. During one afternoon drive, a courageous female dog diverted a lion’s attention from the den, thwarting a potential risk. Breeding within wild dog packs is typically limited to the alpha pair, and we have watched the rest of the pack contribute to the rearing and care of the pups.

The Batshabi Pride of lions had thrilling confrontations with the notorious three River Boys, who had cunningly pilfered many of their hard-earned kills.

One unforgettable game drive involved a large male baboon attempting to intimidate the lions, leading to a dramatic scene where two lionesses seized the baboon, resulting in a cacophony of distress. Wandering lions from the Moremi Game Reserve also made their presence felt in the Dinare domain, sparking an intensified territorial struggle between the resident animals.

Gomoti River buffalo

Black-backed jackals were incredibly active and daring, especially in the proximity of lion kills, displaying their cheek with attempts to snatch morsels of meat.

Rralebudu, the prominent male leopard, made resounding vocalizations throughout the territory. Females with cubs were spotted, and on one occasion, a female was sighted near the mokoro station, calmly dining on a kill. To preserve nature’s course, we chose not to conduct the mokoro activity.

A parade of nocturnal creatures graced our night drives – honey badgers, servals, genets, civets, aardwolves, and bat-eared foxes. Banded, slender, yellow, and dwarf mongooses going about their busy pastimes enlivened the diurnal drives, while porcupines were seen frequently, particularly from the campfire decks.

The great game of the Gomoti River

August weather proved unpredictable, fluctuating between freezing nights, scorching days, and gusty winds. Amidst these climatic oscillations, the game converged around the waters of the Gomoti River, creating spectacular scenes with species like zebras, impalas, giraffes, tssessbe, wildebeest, and hippos. Moreover, both Rra Dinare Camp and Mma Dinare Camp were frequently visited by impalas, kudus, buffalo and bushbucks, adding to the guests’ experience. Additionally, a notable presence of elephants was observed due to the increasing heat and dwindling water resources.

(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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