Consistent sightings were made of a known male cheetah in the Paradise region. After following his spoor, he was found resting on a termite mound, scanning the area. He was later located feeding on an impala kill near Mojerimane, the site identified through jackal alarm calls. Tawny eagles and a hooded vulture were seen nearby, waiting to scavenge.
Several lion prides were spotted on multiple occasions throughout the concession. A notable sighting involved the three dominant males from the Kwara coalition, which were found patrolling the far northeastern section of the Paradise area. The males had detected the scent of two intruding males and were highly vocal as they moved through their territory, continuing their patrol well into the day due to the cooler, overcast conditions.
The Zebra Pride, which resides in the western section of the camp, was first tracked from Marula Pan. The tracks of the pride and their accompanying cubs were followed to a waterhole, where they were later seen drinking, their faces bloodstained from a recent zebra kill. After drinking, the pride returned to feed on the carcass. A lone hyena was observed attempting to eat before being chased off by a lioness. The pride then resumed feeding, with the cubs in the group appearing active and playful. Later that day, a male lion was found at the carcass with the pride.
A female leopard was found resting in a sausage tree after being chased by wild dogs. She remained in the tree until the afternoon. One evening, a male leopard was briefly seen near camp but quickly disappeared into the bush. Another female was tracked at Matswere Pan, where she was located in a tree with the kill of a juvenile waterbuck. She eventually came down to drink from a small waterhole that had formed due to elephant activity.
A larger pack of African wild dogs had been moving through Mabua Island and were eventually tracked to JD’s Crossing. Another set of fresh tracks was located along Kwalata Road. A group of 23 dogs was later found resting under feverberry trees, having reduced in number from 26. Tracks of a smaller pack of 12 were found further west of the camp.
Spotted hyenas were active around camp, particularly near predator kills. One was observed feeding on a zebra carcass during the temporary absence of the lioness that had made the kill. Other individuals were encountered during night drives, often where leopard activity had recently been recorded.
General game viewing was excellent, with large concentrations of plains game gathering in areas of shorter grass. Giraffe were frequently encountered, often in association with zebra, impala, wildebeest, and other antelope. Elephant numbers continued to rise, with increasing sightings of breeding herds. Buffalo herds were regularly observed along Senyetse Road and occasionally near the northern boundary of camp. Young animals from many species, including roan antelope, wildebeest, zebra, and elephants, were seen throughout the month.
Birdwatching remained excellent. Carmine and European bee-eaters followed vehicles through the grasslands, taking advantage of disturbed insects. Other bee-eaters included blue-cheeked, swallow-tailed, and little bee-eaters. Raptors were regularly recorded, including tawny eagles, martial eagles, bateleurs, African hawk-eagles, and various snake eagles. Migrants such as Amur falcons and several cuckoo species were also present.
Reptile activity increased with warm temperatures. Rock monitors, water monitors, and leopard tortoises were frequently observed. A black mamba was seen in a mopane tree, raiding an abandoned African fish eagle nest. A large crocodile was occasionally seen sunning itself on a sandbank opposite Room 9.
The landscape remained lush and green following the rains. Flowering plants added vibrant colours across the plains. Sunrises and sunsets were especially striking, often reflected in the water. Dead trees provided stark visual contrast, resembling natural sculptures.
Water levels remained high, supporting excellent mokoro excursions. Painted reed frogs, long reed frogs, and numerous waterbirds were seen. African and lesser jacanas, along with pied and malachite kingfishers, were frequently recorded. Water lilies and other aquatic flowers were in bloom. Nature walks offered sightings of insects, flowering plants, and the dung beetle’s characteristic behaviour.
Cloud cover limited stargazing for much of the month. On clearer nights, planets including Venus, Jupiter, and Mars were occasionally visible. The Orion constellation was seen when weather conditions allowed.
