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.