Category: Tau Pan

Three male elephants frequently visited the camp waterhole, providing guests with memorable moments as they drank and enjoyed mud baths.

Their presence often kept smaller animals at bay, as the waterhole is too small to accommodate all the wildlife at once. This led to interesting interactions as other animals patiently waited for the elephants to finish before taking their turn.

Leopard driven up a tree by lions at the camp waterhole

Leopard sightings were plentiful particularly around the airstrip, waterhole, and near Room 1.

One of the most thrilling encounters unfolded at the waterhole, where a female leopard found herself in a life-or-death situation. In a sudden attack, a lioness forced the leopard to escape by scaling a nearby tree. For 20 tense minutes, she clung to the branches while the lioness prowled below. The eventual loss of interest by the lioness allowed the leopard to make a swift escape toward the safety of Room 9 — an unforgettable moment of predator versus predator.

A shy male was spotted along the main road before the junction leading to Passarge waterhole, while another female was seen south of Sunday waterhole, hunting a steenbok but missing her target. A resident female, seen regularly between the camp and airstrip, was notably full-bellied, hinting at a hidden recent kill.

The blossoming acacia trees transformed Tau Pan this month, attracting a variety of herbivores, including springbok, kudu, steenbok, and oryx. The yellow blossoms stood out against the golden grasses, while the sunsets and sunrises over the dunes created moments of pure magic. The nutritious pods from these acacias were a magnet for these species, especially around the Letiahau area, where game was abundant.

The sand dunes provide stunning vantage points, with the horizon coated in shades of blue and gold. However, a curious absence of giraffes was noted. Despite their usual prevalence at strongholds like Letiahau, Deception Valley, and Sunday waterhole, giraffe sightings were scarce. We suspect they may have migrated to areas with better food sources, as many acacia trees have started to lose their leaves.

Sand grouse flocked to the camp waterhole, closely followed by raptors such as pale-chanting and Gabar goshawks, hoping to catch an unwary bird for a meal. Spotted eagle owls, giant eagle owls, and tawny eagles also graced the skies, along with the powerful secretary bird and great kestrel. Ostriches, drawn to the acacia blossoms, added an extra layer of wonder to the Central Kalahari birding experience.  

A caracal kill and lion activity at Tau Pan

It was a great month for spotting smaller mammals. Honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, and black-backed jackals were frequently seen around Tau Pan, while a rare and thrilling sighting of a caracal with a steenbok kill at Makgoa Pan left guests in awe. Ground squirrels and an African wild cat near the airstrip added to the charm of Tau Pan’s hidden treasures.

Though cheetah sightings were sparse, two subadult cheetahs — a male and female — were spotted on the western side of camp, later moving toward Makgoa Pan. Both appeared well-fed, though the source of their meal remained elusive.

Spotted hyena activity picked up this month, especially in the mornings. Two hyenas were seen drinking at the waterhole on different days, one was spotted near the airstrip heading north, and another was seen resting in Deception Valley.

The Tau Pan pride, known for its proximity to the lodge, was seen almost daily, except for four days when they were out patrolling elsewhere. One of the standout moments was at Letiahau waterhole, where six lions — two subadult males, a subadult female, an adult female, and two cubs estimated to be around three months old — were spotted feeding on a subadult oryx. Later in the month, a lioness attempted to bring down a kudu and an oryx at Sunday waterhole, although she ultimately missed and gave up the chase.

A particularly intriguing development within the Tau Pan Pride was the introduction of a new dominant male, now in his third month with the pride. His presence has led to speculation about the fate of the previous five dominant males, of which only one remains visible, often seen patrolling the western side of Tau Pan toward San Pan. Interestingly, the new dominant male, accompanied by a subadult male from the San Pan Pride, was seen chasing one of the ex-dominant males away from Tau Pan, indicating potential power shifts within the pride. The drama continued when the same subadult male rejoined the ex-dominant male, and both were seen with the Airstrip pride. The power dynamics within the Tau Pan pride remain unresolved.

The Airstrip pride was sighted four times, mostly around the waterhole and the airstrip area.  

(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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We witnessed a thrilling encounter — a leopard hunting a bat-eared fox right in front of our vehicle. The fox didn’t stand a chance, and the leopard proudly carried its meal into the bushes, offering guests a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity.

Later in the month, a female leopard was spotted atop a tree, scanning the landscape with her piercing eyes — a majestic predator surveying her kingdom. We also followed the trail of a leopard from camp to the northern firebreak. The tracks led us along the airstrip before vanishing, only to be rediscovered on Aardvark Road. We finally spotted the elusive cat stalking a steenbok, moving silently through the bush.

In June, the golden sands of the dunes shimmered in the Tau Pan sunlight and the plains were dotted with hardy grasses like Kalahari sand quick and Bushman love grass. These plants sustain the hidden ecosystems of ants, termites, and mole rats beneath the surface. The resilient Vachellia and Senegalia trees stood tall and green against the dry backdrop, while the middle route to Deception Valley, still touched by the last rains, offered lush green patches that hinted at the rejuvenation to come. Despite the challenges of limited rainfall, general game sightings were excellent in this area. We encountered herds of gemsbok, red hartebeest, warthogs, giraffes, black-backed jackals, and kudus, all drawn to the remaining greenery.

One day, a familiar male lion known for his fierce dominance over younger males in the Tau Pan Pride was seen sprinting toward the camp. The chase was on! This big male relentlessly pursued a subadult male, eventually driving him westward across Tau Pan. Victorious, the male returned to his lionesses, asserting his dominance once again as they made their way to the waterhole.

Following the tracks of 24 lions that had crossed the northern firebreak, guests scored a front-row seat to the art of tracking in the semi-arid desert and persistence paid off. Excitement filled the air as we pieced together the movements of the pride, their trail revealing their location.

Later in the month, camp buzzed with anticipation when a subadult male lion and his father, a dominant male, were spotted feasting on a giraffe carcass. This dramatic scene unfolded for several days, with scavengers circling and adding to the tension. We tracked another subadult lion along the cutline road and discovered a lioness feeding on a gemsbok carcass.

A lone cheetah was seen resting by the bushes at Tau Pan, only to be chased off by a group of gemsbok. The elegant cat disappeared into the bush, leaving us on the edge of our seats. But our patience was rewarded later when we saw more subadult cheetahs moving through the area. A mother cheetah with three playful cubs was spotted heading north from the camp, a delightful scene as the young cubs honed their hunting skills under their mother’s watchful eye.

Brown hyena visits the Tau Pan waterhole

We were treated to a rare sighting of a brown hyena drinking at the waterhole — an unusual visual of these typically nocturnal scavengers. While hyena tracks are often found, the creatures themselves are elusive, adding a layer of mystery to their role in the Tau Pan ecosystem.

A regular highlight of the month was the nature walks led by San trackers. Guests were captivated as they shared the rich cultural heritage of the bushman people, demonstrating traditional survival skills like sourcing food and making fire with natural materials.

Pale chanting goshawks were particularly active, and one was seen swooping down to catch a Burchell’s sandgrouse in mid-flight. The precision of the hunt was breathtaking, and other goshawks soon joined the fray, almost causing the hunter to drop its prey. Around the waterhole, tawny eagles, bateleur eagles, and gabar goshawks showcased their hunting prowess, making the skies above Tau Pan a constant spectacle. African monarch butterflies flitted through the air while ground beetles, water scorpions, and dragonflies buzzed around the reservoir. Yellow and slender mongooses also dashed about, energetically searching for prey. A lone leopard tortoise was a slow but determined traveller across the sandy terrain, embodying the tenacity of life in the Kalahari.

June’s clear skies provided perfect stargazing conditions, with constellations like the Southern Cross, Scorpio, and Canis Major shining brightly. Stars like Canopus and Sirius dotted the heavens, while the Milky Way stretched across the night sky, casting a magical glow over Tau Pan. Shooting stars punctuated the nights, offering a fitting close to each day’s adventures.

(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 12 African wild dogs was an exciting find near the camp waterhole early one morning.

They were seen heading east along Carlos Road. A dramatic scene unfolded as three black-backed jackals scavenged on a wild dog carcass, suggesting a lion attack.

Cheetah sightings included two males frequently seen around Tau Pan. One male was often located at marking posts, emphasizing territorial behaviours.

The night skies of Tau Pan Camp in May were a stargazer’s dream. Guests marvelled at constellations like the Southern Cross with its prominent pointers, the red giant star Betelgeuse, and Scorpio with its bright star Antares. The Milky Way, stretching across the sky, offered a stunning view of our galaxy, estimated to contain up to 400 billion stars and be about 13.4 billion years old. A sight that can only be truly appreciated in the vastness of the Kalahari!

A single brown hyena was a regular visitor around the camp waterhole, adding to the diversity of nocturnal sightings.

The lions and leopards of Tau Pan

Early in the month, a solitary male lion was frequently spotted patrolling along the airstrip and western fire roads. The resident Tau Pan pride, consisting of seven lionesses and one male, made several appearances around the camp, often venturing to the airstrip and drinking from the camp’s waterhole. An exciting encounter involved this pride’s male joining another pride to mate, resulting in fascinating behaviour displays.

A highlight was observing a pride of four lions at Passarge waterhole, while another pride known as the Airstrip Pride was seen with a gemsbok carcass along Aardvark Road. Additionally, a lioness was often heard roaring near room 1, trying to locate her pride. Towards the end of the month, mating pairs and various prides were seen in strategic hunting positions, although not all hunts were successful.

A female leopard was first spotted along Aardvark Road, actively hunting. Another leopardess was seen resting under a shepherd tree along Carlos Road. One remarkable event involved a leopardess ambushing and successfully killing a scrub hare, while another was observed feeding on a steenbok carcass up a tree. These leopards exhibited their typical stealth and precision, providing guests with unforgettable moments.

Thrills at the waterhole

Drawn by the remaining water sources, May brought an impressive array of general game to Tau Pan Camp. Guests enjoyed sightings of solitary males, breeding herds, and bachelor groups of gemsboks, red hartebeests, springboks, greater kudus, steenboks, bushbuck, southern giraffes, African elephants, and blue wildebeests.

Small mammals, including black-backed jackals, cape ground squirrels, honey badgers, slender and yellow mongooses, scrub hares, and bat-eared foxes, were abundant. Guests also enjoyed sightings of a serval and an African wild cat along Tau Pan.

Bird sightings included Kalahari scrub robins, common ostriches, pale chanting and Gabar goshawks, lanner and red-necked falcons, bateleurs, white-backed vultures, pririt batis, southern pied babblers, white-browed sparrow weavers, cape glossy starlings, Kori bustards, northern black and red-crested korhaans, capped wheatears, fawn-coloured and rufous naped larks, violet-eared waxbills, black-chested prinias, scaly-feathered finches, southern yellow-billed and African grey hornbills, zitting cisticolas, Burchell sandgrouses, cape vultures, spotted eagle owls, chestnut-vented tit-babblers, Sabota larks, long-billed crombecs, crimson-breasted shrikes, blue waxbills, and eastern clapper larks.

(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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Driving through Tau Pan is like moving through a painting, with autumn colours of yellow, brown, green, and red.

While some areas are dry, others, particularly towards Litiahau and Lekhubu Campsite, remain green. Recent rains rejuvenated the grass despite the approaching winter season, offering a stunning contrast against the green trees and newly sprouted shoots in previously burnt areas.

Birdwatching was fantastic, highlighted by a fork-tailed drongo spotting an African rock python in a tree. The snake remained in the same spot for three weeks, providing a fascinating long-term observation.

We encountered the Tau Pan pride right outside the dining room one day, curiously observing us before moving to the waterhole. It was an unforgettable moment as we watched them interact with their surroundings. We went on a thrilling tracking adventure, following the pride’s tracks from the waterhole to the west towards the firebreak. Despite the hard ground obscuring the tracks, our skilled guides relied on their expertise to locate the pride, which we found feeding on a gemsbok they had hunted early that morning.

We located two cheetahs in the Letiahau Valley, seemingly separated and calling for each other. One of them found himself amidst a large herd of gemsbok, which stood their ground and chased him away. The following day, we found the brother along San Pan exhibiting hunting behaviour, though no prey was visible. It’s always fascinating to observe these speedy predators in action.

Wildlife at the busy waterhole 

A brown hyena drank from the waterhole. These timid creatures have typically been seen once a month, making this encounter particularly special.

An elephant bull displayed typical musth behaviour, creating an intense and exhilarating experience for our guests as it fed near the camp. A bushbuck was also seen, adding to the diversity of sightings.

Tau Pan’s diverse landscape provided fantastic general game sightings, especially with the light rains bringing life to the area. Yellow mongooses, slender mongooses, and two caracals were logged. Springbok, red hartebeest, bushbuck, kudus, giraffes, gemsbok, wildebeest, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackals, and ground squirrels were abundant. Southern pale chanting goshawks were observed stealing food from honey badgers. Other notable sightings included tawny eagles, violet-eared waxbills, weavers, thick-knees, and various shrikes.

Our knowledgeable Kalahari guides provided enriching bush walks, sharing cultural insights about traditional living, finding food, bushcraft, and medicinal uses of plants. Guests learned about tracking and survival skills, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of the natural world.

Ants were seen dragging a dead grasshopper to their hole, and a leopard tortoise was found on the move. A puff adder near the road prompted various species to give warning calls. Ball biter ants, ground beetles, and dung beetles were also observed around elephant dung.

The night sky at Tau Pan was a celestial wonder, with clear views of Orion’s Belt, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Taurus, Corvus, the Milky Way, and the Seven Sisters. Stargazing here is a magical experience, with the lack of light pollution offering a pristine view of the cosmos.

(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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African wild dogs were found satiated after making a kill. They were seen chasing a red-billed spurfowl, accompanied by a cacophony of bird warning calls. 

Later, they encountered the Airstrip Pride of lions, leading to an intense interaction between the two predator species.

Leopards lay in wait 

While we paused to observe a group of springboks along Phukwi Road, a sudden commotion caught our attention. Within moments, the springboks bolted, engulfing us in a cloud of dust. Puzzled by their sudden departure, we scanned the area and were astonished to spot a female leopard by the side of the vehicle. Witnessing the stealthy movements of this magnificent predator in such close proximity was remarkable! 

Two male lion tracks were discovered along Phukwi Road leading to Passarge Waterhole. Following the tracks, guides anticipated the lions would head to the waterhole and indeed found a female and two large males from the Tau Pan Pride quenching their thirst. Another notable waterhole sighting was seeing a pale chanting goshawk with a small mole snake. 

Gemsbok chase a cheetah

A male cheetah was found resting at Sunday Waterhole. The guides and trackers observed this beautiful animal and anticipated it might attempt to hunt as a group of springbok approached to drink nearby. However, a few gemsbok were already at the waterhole, and warning calls were issued. Then, the group of gemsbok chased the cheetah and disappeared into the bush.

Despite the dry conditions, particularly around Tau Pan and Passage Valley, the Kalahari landscape retained its beauty. While some areas showed signs of dryness, pockets of greenery persisted, especially around the camp. Trees remained verdant, attracting giraffes, although certain species like trumpet thorns and brandy bushes showed signs of drying. 

Gemsboks, springboks, and giraffes were commonly sighted, with wildebeests congregating at San Pan and Passarge Valley due to the relatively lush vegetation. Although brown hyenas were elusive, their tracks were spotted along the roads, indicating their presence in the area. Ground squirrels, yellow mongooses and slender mongooses, bat-eared foxes, black-backed jackals, and occasionally ostriches with chicks were also observed.

Birdwatching in Passarge Valley

Passarge Valley offered excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly for raptors such as African harrier hawks, black-chested snake eagles, and brown snake eagles. Insect sightings included grasshoppers, ground beetles, giant jewel beetles, African monarch butterflies, and brown-veined butterflies. Near the camp, colourful birds like swallow-tailed bee-eaters and lilac-breasted rollers could be easily photographed snapping at the insects. Violet-eared waxbills were also common.  

Come evening, constellations such as the Southern Cross, Musca the Bee, False Cross, Canis Major, and Canis Minor adorned the night sky, and we watched the stunning spectacle seated around the campfire.

(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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The pan has been unusually dry this month. Consequently, we embarked on longer drives from the camp. Despite the uncommon conditions, our epic expeditions had many exciting moments! 

The most memorable? Watching approximately eight black-backed jackals join forces to confront a baby oryx. This young oryx had become separated from its mother due to a bull attempting to mate with her.

The jackals persistently tested their luck for about 10 to 15 minutes until the same bull that had chased the mother returned to the rescue. However, the jackals did not easily relent, continuing their challenges until we departed as the sun descended. 

The plentiful joys of Passarge Valley

Many of our best general game sightings occurred along the Passarge waterhole to Passarge Valley, where we watched numerous oryx with their young, springboks with offspring, wildebeests, and occasionally a few red hartebeests. We also encountered one timid brown hyena on the route to the Passarge waterhole from the camp, before it swiftly disappeared.

A cheetah mother of three cubs, estimated to be 7 to 8 months old, was observed resting under a buffalo horn acacia at the Passarge waterhole. Following that, she was sighted along Phukwi Pan for three consecutive days. Another mother, accompanied by a subadult cub, was glimpsed on the northern part of Tau Pan during one of the afternoon drives. Additionally, two subadult cubs were seen at Letiahau Pan, resting on the roadside, leading us to assume that their mother had left them, possibly for hunting.

The scarcity of rainfall significantly influenced the movement patterns of local prides, including the resident Tau Pan pride. During one morning activity, we encountered the airstrip pride attempting to hunt adult giraffes, but the endeavour yielded no positive results. Due to the heat, they sought shade under an acacia tree on the roadside. The same pride, accompanied by two of the five dominant males, was spotted at Passarge Valley, feasting on an oryx. At times, the Tau Pan pride ventured into camp, entertaining with their playful activities and creating noise, and in the mornings, they frequented the waterhole, offering a picturesque view from the deck of the main area. The last three days of the month were particularly special, as our resident pride was consistently present in the camp, even during the nighttime. 

A resident subadult leopard female attuned to our movements, and one morning, she visited the poolside while we tucked into breakfast around the fire. 

Busy families of bat-eared foxes and ground squirrels contributed to the lively atmosphere in and around Tau Pan. We also spotted secretarybirds twice this month on the hunt. Additionally, sightings of a pale chanting goshawk, Gabar goshawk, and peregrine falcons added to the avian diversity around the pan. 

Limited rainfall prompted many animals to migrate to other areas. The harsh Kalahari landscape featured trees gradually turning brown, and temperatures reached a maximum of 42 degrees. Natural waterholes were dry, and animals relied solely on pumped waterholes. Elephants hovered in the area seeking water, but encounters were limited to tracking their footprints and dung along our game drive routes. 

(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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During one memorable game drive, we encountered a pack of 13 African wild dogs in excellent health at Letiahau waterhole.

The pack displayed full bellies, indicating recent successful hunts. Among them were six sizable adults and seven lively puppies.

The resident pride of well-fed lions often gathered at the Tau Pan Camp waterhole. We admired their reflections, which rippled in the water during their drinking sessions, creating a striking image of the Kalahari landscape.

A leopardess drinks from the Tau Pan swimming pool

We also enjoyed special moments with a female leopard, especially early in the month when she quenched her thirst in the camp’s swimming pool. Initially spotted near the waterhole, she gracefully departed due to approaching elephants, choosing the tranquillity of a poolside drink instead. Later, on the 30th of December, fresh leopard tracks led us on a brief pursuit, and we sighted her strolling along the road, making her way towards room one.

The arrival of springbok offspring (and their playful antics) was heartwarming, along with blue wildebeest welcoming new members to the family. The nimble black-backed jackals and bat-eared foxes, accompanied by their active offspring, added to the beautiful summer scenery.

Exciting cheetah encounters unfolded in the area, where we tracked two male cheetahs and a female with her trio of cubs. On the 5th, the mother and her cubs, positioned east of the pan, attempted a stealthy approach on springboks. Unfortunately, the antelopes sensed their presence, avoiding any close encounters. On the 22nd, a male cheetah on the eastern side of the pan engaged in a calculated stalk on grazing springboks, but the fast herbivores got away to live another day. Undeterred, the cheetah pursued a mother with a newborn, approximately two days old. A flurry of dust marked the conclusion of this high-speed chase, with the cheetah securing its meal, dragging it to the shade for a well-deserved rest before indulging in the feast.

Sublime green season in the Central Kalahari

Summer showers triggered a bloom of flowers that beckoned a diverse array of insects — the air was alive with the fluttering dance of butterflies, moths, bees, chafer beetles, ants, and wasps. As these insects thrived, they, in turn, were an irresistible draw for birds that feasted on them, highlighting the lively Kalahari ecosystem. From magnificent vultures to soaring eagles, the skies hosted a diverse cast of characters, including buzzards, falcons, kites, kestrels, goshawks, shrikes, guineafowls, spurfowls, cuckoos, sandgrouse, lapwings, thick-knees, coursers, and a myriad of LBJs (Little Brown Jobs).

A gripping encounter unfolded along Chock’s Road, where a black mamba and a yellow mongoose engaged in a fierce but fleeting battle. The mongoose retreated, and the mamba sought refuge in a hole near the road. Various snake species gracefully navigated the terrain, including snouted cobras, cape cobras, and black mambas. Tortoises, including the leopard and geometric varieties, ambled through their habitats.

Guests immersed themselves in a wealth of information, discovering the intricate details of the bushman people’s lifestyle and culture during morning nature walks. Under the vast summer night sky, Tau Pan became a celestial theatre, showcasing prominent constellations. From the iconic Orion’s Belt, the hunter, to Taurus, the bull; Canis Major, the big dog, and Canis Minor, the little dog, the night sky unfolds a mesmerizing spectacle. The Southern Cross graces the morning, while the Milky Way, radiant and bright, adds cosmic brilliance. Planets like Jupiter and Saturn graced the night, and the morning revealed the gradual ascent of Venus.

(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 showed off a parade of wildlife with a surge in elephant numbers this month in a migration-like movement from east to south.

An extraordinary morning scene unfolded on 29 November. Guests enjoying breakfast were treated to a brown hyena at the waterhole.

Puppies and badgers at the pan

Adorable black-backed jackal puppies stole the show during game drives. Bat-eared fox puppies and two honey badgers were spotted at the pan, engaging in intriguing behaviours. The interactions between these mammals and a bird of prey further enriched the spectacle, when a pale chanting goshawk was spied sitting with a honey badger.

A stealthy cat, the caracal, was observed hunting a korhaan. Ground squirrels, ever-vigilant, sounded the alarm, prompting the korhaan to take flight and the cat to vanish into the thickets, a master of manoeuvres. Diederick cuckoos, yellow-billed kites, chestnut-vented warblers, and southern masked weavers preparing their nests heightened the sounds of nature.

We witnessed a female cheetah and her playful cubs engaging in a gripping hunt. However, their springbok target proved too fast, marking a day of missed opportunities. Later in the month, the trio attempted to separate a gemsbok calf from its mother. Faced with formidable opposition, the cheetahs strategically withdrew, demonstrating the challenges of the predator’s life as they did not want to get injured. Their frames are small, and injury could lead to them being chased down by bigger predators, such as lions.

The lions of Tau Pan

The Tau Pan pride, comprised of six subadult lions, showcased their territory by venturing close to the camp waterhole for a drink often throughout November. They continually found respite under the bushes, sometimes making photography a challenge as heat built during the day.

We tracked the airstrip pride, usually numbering four, but now three, tracing a meandering path, eventually resting by the runway. It was noted that the first daughter might have birthed cubs.

The allure of Tau Pan extended beyond sightings. Guests enjoyed walks with San legend trackers on an immersive journey into the bush, where the pulse of nature meets the rhythm of ancient culture. Each step into the Kalahari helped to cement the harmony between land and people.

As darkness fell, the Tau Pan sky was adorned with constellations like Canis Major and Canis Minor, Orions Belt, Taurus the Bull, and more. The view of Jupiter and Venus made for an awe-inspiring evening panorama. Nocturnal life in Tau Pan came alive with ground beetles, horn moths, ball byter ants, and the industrious Matabele ants. The presence of the African migrant and African monarch butterflies, and a cape cobra on the move all pointed to a thriving desert ecosystem.

The sand dunes continued to weave a breathtaking picture across the Kalahari Desert, now complemented by vast greenery. Blooming plants and flowers and nourishing grasses like the Kalahari sand quick contribute to the lushness. However, though green Tau Pan craves more rain, hopefully to come.

(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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We watched in awe as a mother honey badger spent a week teaching its subadult baby to hunt.

Yet, the lessons ended abruptly one day when the mother unexpectedly chased the baby away. The duo returned days later, with the mother brandishing a snake to keep the curious baby at bay. Playful bat-eared foxes and an African wildcat’s evening hunt were equally memorable moments from October. 

Brown hyena at the Tau Pan Camp waterhole

Then, there was the early morning drama as guests spotted a brown hyena at the Tau Pan Camp waterhole. It suddenly disappeared into the darkness, but to everyone’s delight, it returned during breakfast, offering splendid photo opportunities. 

Unlike their more socially oriented counterparts, spotted hyenas, brown hyenas tend to be more solitary, frequently foraging alone or in small family groups. Their opportunistic feeding behaviour encompasses skilled scavenging – they often feast on carcasses – and active hunting of small mammals, birds, and insects.

The great Kalahari black-maned lions of Tau pan

The resident Tau Pan Pride of eight lions showcased impressive ambush techniques during the enchanting golden hours of the morning at the camp waterhole. After several missed attempts, the lions retreated to the shade of the guest rooms for a day of leisure until trying again in the cool of dusk. Another notable highlight was seeing a mother and subadult male with two tiny cubs finding shade under an umbrella thorn acacia at San Pan. Witnessing two subadult lions attempting to take down a fully grown oryx added another thrilling encounter to our fantastic game drive log. 

In the afternoons, a small herd of six bachelor elephants became a daily spectacle at the camp waterhole, seeking relief from the heat with refreshing drinks and showers. The bone-dry start of the month attracted a plentiful congregation of general game around the waterhole besides. Greater kudus, giraffes, and wildebeests quenched their thirst. Springboks, red hartebeests, and prized desert antelope, herds of oryx, were seen out in the grasslands.  

A mother cheetah with three cubs, estimated to be five to six months old, graced us with their presence for a week. While we didn’t witness kills, the cubs’ bloodstains on their mouths and full tummies hinted at successful hunts.

Leopard tracks were visible around the camp, especially in the mornings, taunting us with their tantalizing proximity. One morning, we enjoyed a tranquil encounter with a female resting below a small umbrella thorn acacia. We then watched another leopard try to land a steenbok, but it missed. 

Summer brought avian guests like the yellow-billed kite, common buzzards, and red-necked falcon, complementing our resident birds, like the cattle egrets and ostriches. Raptors, including pale chanting goshawks and gabar goshawks in various morphs, also showcased their hunting prowess. 

(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 riveting lion sightings, with all three lion prides showcasing their vibrant health.

The eight-month-old cubs of the San Pan Pride were a particular sensation, their growth evident as they strength with each passing day.

In the sweltering summer, the Tau Pan Pride (the reigning rulers of the area) graced the camp frequently, taking respite by guest rooms after drinking from the waterhole. Tensions brewed between the Tau Pan and Airstrip Prides, marked by noisy nocturnal escapades around the edge of the camp.

A relaxed female leopard was located leisurely feasting on a steenbok carcass atop a tree, a scene repeated with another catch later. A brief post-dinner appearance by another male leopard added a thrill to the camp atmosphere.

A serene male cheetah graced the southern pan, offering a delicate balance of grace and power. Tracking this slinking creature proved challenging, especially in the presence of the formidable Tau Pan pride, known for chasing away competitors.

While brown hyenas remained elusive to the eyes, their tracks painted silent stories on roads and around the waterhole.

Springboks making a fuss and elephants at the camp waterhole

The landscape echoed the clashes of springbok horns as males engaged in spirited duels for the favour of the females. Two dominant gemsbok males engaged in a fifteen-minute photogenic battle, highlighting the intense dynamics of the animal kingdom. Other visitors to the waterhole included kudus and wildebeests, and siestas were often momentarily abandoned to witness the big male elephants drinking.

Small mammals sighted included yellow mongooses and slender mongooses scavenging for food, bat-eared foxes foraging for scorpion morsels, and ground squirrels leisurely basking in the shade. Black-backed jackals rested while honey badgers dug in energetic bouts, unearthing their feast of snakes, lizards, and skinks.

Pairs of vultures were spotted nesting on top of the camel thorn acacia trees. The Southern pale chanting goshawks also nested on top of the camel thorn acacia, and we were delighted to see their chicks tucked in safely.

(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!)

Comments closed