Lion activity defined much of the month, particularly across the western side of the concession where the Sedudu Pride remained highly active. This pride, made up of three lionesses, two subadult males and five cubs, was frequently located through tracking along Kgaga Road and surrounding areas.
One of the more notable sightings began with fresh tracks picked up during an early drive. Within half an hour the pride was located south of Kgaga Road feeding on two tsessebe carcasses positioned roughly 50 metres apart. At the same time, the Mbukushu coalition, a pair of dominant males operating west of camp, were feeding on their own kill nearby. The positioning of both groups created a rare situation where two separate feeding events unfolded within close proximity.
A second pride, known for regularly targeting zebra, was encountered north of camp. This group, consisting of two lionesses and six cubs over a year old, appeared in good condition and continued to operate effectively in the area.
Further east, a coalition of three males was located south of the airstrip, all with full bellies, suggesting a recent buffalo kill in the area. Their presence triggered vocal responses from the Mbukushu males during the night, indicating ongoing territorial pressure between the two groups.
Leopards on the move
Leopard activity remained strong, with both resident and transient individuals encountered through a combination of tracking and behaviour cues.
The resident male known as Ranko, identifiable by a prominent scar across his nose, was followed west of camp while moving between hunting and territorial marking areas. His movement pattern suggested active boundary patrol.
Later in the month, a resident female was located with two young cubs estimated at three to four months old. The group was found feeding on a freshly killed male impala, likely taken during the early morning hours. The cubs remained cautious but visible, offering a clear view of early development behaviour.
A separate sighting involved a large adult male south of Baboon Island. His movement and scent-marking behaviour indicated he was attempting to establish or reinforce territory within the area.
The resident African wild dog pack was initially located west of camp feeding on a male common reedbuck. Following this sighting, their movement shifted north into mopane and Kalahari apple-leaf woodland.
Although they were not consistently present around camp for the remainder of the month, their relocation suggested they were following prey movement and maintaining access to suitable hunting conditions.
Hyenas finding opportunity
Spotted hyenas were encountered regularly, often located along roads or moving between woodland and open areas. Their vocal activity was particularly noticeable, with calling and “whooping” used to maintain contact between individuals.
Two hyenas were tracked along BB’s Road moving west into mopane woodland. Others were seen investigating surrounding activity, showing typical opportunistic behaviour around predator movement and potential carcasses.
Cheetah presence remained centred in the western areas where open ground and prey availability were more suitable. Guides maintained regular checks in these areas, and spoor confirmed their continued use of the landscape.
Game everywhere you look
General game numbers remained strong, with large breeding herds of elephants and buffalo moving through the area. Giraffe, sable, roan, red lechwe and zebra were widely distributed across both woodland and open floodplain systems.
Permanent water in front of camp continued to draw consistent animal movement, particularly elephants moving in to drink or cross towards Maboa Island. These regular crossings created reliable viewing opportunities directly from camp.
The smaller stories after sunset
Night drives produced a good range of smaller mammals, including springhare, scrub hare, bushbaby, small-spotted genet, African wild cat and Selous’ Mongoose.. A striped polecat was also seen during one of the later drives.
These sightings relied heavily on slower tracking, spotlight work and reading subtle movement along the roads and edges of vegetation.
Birdlife remained highly active, with summer migrants present across the concession. Southern carmine bee-eaters, European bee-eaters, woodland kingfishers and broad-billed rollers were all regularly seen.
Breeding behaviour was evident across many species, with males displaying and defending territories as part of seasonal activity.
Out on the water and on foot
Both mokoro excursions and nature walks continued to add depth to the overall experience. Mokoro outings provided access to quieter channels where smaller species, birds and aquatic life could be observed at close range.
Nature walks focused on tracking, plant use and interpretation of the environment, with guides breaking down spoor and behaviour in detail.
Evenings under open skies
On clearer nights, stargazing sessions allowed for views of the Southern Cross, Orion, Taurus and Canis Major. Sirius and Procyon were clearly visible, along with Jupiter during favourable conditions.
Evenings around the firepit remained a consistent part of the experience, often accompanied by distant lion calls and hyena vocalisations carrying across the concession.
