Lions were encountered frequently throughout the month. A particularly noteworthy sighting involved two lionesses from the Zebra Pride, west of camp, which successfully brought down two red lechwes.
One lioness remained to guard the carcasses while the other returned to fetch their ten-month-old cubs. Upon arrival, the cubs were guided directly to the smaller carcass. What followed was a highly vocal scramble between the cubs and both lionesses over the food. Guides interpreted this as a deliberate teaching moment—encouraging the cubs to develop assertiveness and competitive feeding behaviour essential for survival.
The larger Kwara Pride, comprising approximately 26 individuals including cubs and subadults, was observed northeast of camp around the floodplains near the Fishing Spot. Dominant males from both the Zebra and Kwara Prides were seen patrolling their respective territories. The Zebra Pride males appeared several times weekly, while the three Kwara males were more often located in the eastern sector.
The resident lioness with three cubs continued to be active near camp and the airstrip. Tracks and distant roaring suggested occasional movement of unknown lions, possibly nomadic individuals from the Selinda or Linyanti systems, entering the area sporadically.
Leopard sightings were fewer but rewarding. The resident female and dominant male were located resting together in a sausage tree at Marula Pan. Elsewhere, a female with three cubs was seen on a raised termite mound on Dead Tree Island, watching a herd of red lechwes grazing nearby.
Wandering wild dog packs
African wild dog sightings were relatively limited. The resident pack of ten was largely absent from the maintraversing zones, having moved into thick mopane woodland in the north. This shift was likely due to persistent flooding in their usual western hunting grounds and the continued lion presence creating pressure. However, the pack did return to the on occasion, hunting impala in both morning and afternoon sessions.
A larger pack of 23 individuals operating to the east was observed multiple times. Guides suspected this pack might have been denning to the south of Bat-Eared Fox, possibly beyond the concession boundary. No signs of denning were observed from the 4 Rivers pack; the alpha female showed no signs of pregnancy. Splintering behaviour was noted, with some individuals leaving the main pack—likely part of natural pack dynamics and dispersal processes aimed at reducing competition and encouraging new pack formation.
Hyenas were seen regularly, particularly during early morning drives. They were often located near lion kills, scavenging or waiting for an opportunity to feed on remains. Although no active den was identified, hyenas were a consistent presence in the vicinity of camp.
Spots in the grass – cheetahs on the move
Cheetahs were sighted fairly regularly. A known coalition of two brothers was seen feeding on an impala kill east of 4 Rivers Lagoon near Diolo. Their alert behaviour and heavy breathing while feeding suggested heightened awareness of potential scavengers in the area.
The resident male cheetah was also observed in the Kgaga Grasslands, west of camp, where he was seen chasing impalas. On a separate occasion, he was spotted atop a flat-topped termite mound, scanning the surroundings. Tracks of a female with a cub were identified along Steenbok Road, moving eastward towards the elephant rubbing posts near the Fishing Spot. This individual was suspected to be new to the area.
Elephant activity remained strong, with herds ranging from 80 to over 100 individuals regularly seen along the floodplains of Dead Tree Island. These herds utilised the area for mud bathing and access to fresh drinking water. Their movement through mopane thickets helped clear dense vegetation, improving accessibility for other species.
Buffalo herds were present in large numbers, with estimates ranging from several hundred to close to 2,000 individuals, particularly in the northern and western parts of the camp’s range. Their trampling of tall grasses helped create access for wading birds and smaller game.
Other plains game frequently observed herbivores included red lechwe, impala, steenbok, kudu, waterbuck, reedbuck, and both roan and sable antelope.
Common sightings included side-striped and black-backed jackals, as well as more elusive species such as aardwolves. General conditions favoured regular viewing of small antelope and nocturnal species on night drives.
Seasonal changes
Despite cooler weather, several reptile species were encountered. These included spotted grass snakes, African pythons, black mambas, and both tree and water monitors. A large python was also seen basking near a waterhole.
Birding remained strong throughout July. Notable species included wattled cranes, ground hornbills, Pel’s fishing owl, pearl spotted and scops owlets, African and greater painted snipes, giant eagle owl, brown snake eagle, martial eagle, and slaty egret. Common birds such as doves, queleas, weavers, pipits, and others were also widely observed.
Waterbird activity increased as water levels began to drop across the floodplains, creating ideal conditions for nesting species such as pratincoles and lapwings.
Mopane trees had begun to shed their leaves in preparation for the dry season. Woodland areas were visibly drier, while floodplains remained green and lush. Grasslands showed signs of seasonal yellowing. Old drainage lines and seasonal pans retained water, shaping game movement and vegetation growth.
The sky remained mostly clear, offering excellent stargazing opportunities. With minimal dust and no fires in the area, conditions were favourable for observing stars, planets, and constellations during night drives and bush dinners.
Mokoro excursions continued, with sightings of zebras, elephants, a python swimming in the channel. Bush walks provided close encounters with smaller antelope species and signs of recent predator activity.
