One morning, numerous lion tracks were found near the camp entrance, which belonged to a lone lioness and her three female cubs. She was tracked as far as the helipad, where she was seen heading back towards the camp. Upon reaching Room 7, she began calling, and the cubs emerged from the tall grass before she led them north out of the camp.
The Zebra Pride started the month with none other than a zebra kill located northeast of Marula Pan. Early one morning, a male lion was tracked moving west along Impala East from the Baboon Island area. He was found resting on a termite mound, visibly restless and alert. Investigations revealed fresh tracks of lionesses with cubs nearby. The male eventually stood and followed these tracks himself, leading us to a zebra carcass where his brother, three lionesses, and cubs were already feeding. Initially unwelcome, the male was eventually permitted to join.
A few days later, the two males were observed near 2 Makhutsomu, heading east. They were scent-marking as they moved and eventually joined Mapolanka Road before disappearing into the mopane woodland.
The Marsh Pride was located with a red lechwe kill, accompanied by the three Kwara males. Another pride of 10 (three lionesses and seven cubs) was found west of Double Crossing, feeding on a male kudu. Towards the end of the month, the Marsh Pride and three Kwara males were spotted southeast of Double Crossing, feeding on a giraffe.
Leopard sightings were frequent. The dominant female leopard was seen on several occasions around camp, often during morning and afternoon drives. Her swollen mammary glands indicated that she was nursing cubs, though the den had yet to be located.
On one of the morning drives, fresh female leopard tracks were located and followed to a leadwood tree west of camp, where the leopard was seen perched. This offered excellent photographic opportunities in the early morning light. She was seen again at Marula Pan feeding on a reedbuck, with hyenas waiting beneath the tree.
Fresh tracks of a male leopard were found along the Airstrip Road, heading west towards Nkwe Road. Alarm calls from Spur fowls in a nearby bush lead us to a visual of the leopard stalking warthogs. The attempt was unsuccessful due to the birds’ alarm calls alerting the prey.
While tracking a lioness and her cubs, we also picked up Leopard tracks which led us to another relaxed male leopard along Kwalata Road. He remained calm until a troop of baboons alarm calls forced him into thick cover.
The lone male cheetah was seen east of Paradise with a fresh impala kill. He was seen again during the month south of Double Crossing, resting near the site where lions were feeding on a giraffe. Shortly after, he was observed successfully hunting a warthog piglet.
Both African wild dog packs visited the area during the month. The smaller pack, reduced from 12 to 11 individuals, was located after their tracks were found along Impala East. They were later observed in camp near Room 9, feeding on a waterbuck calf. Hooded vultures circling above helped guide us to the scene. The larger pack was seen between Bat-eared Fox territory and Paradise. The group was resting in the shade with full bellies, indicating a recent kill.
Spotted hyenas were active around the camp. During the month the two western male lions killed a buffalo near 2 Makhutsomu, and many hyenas gathered at the site. At the end of the month a lone hyena was found near Dead Tree Marsh with a full belly and blood on its face. A short investigation revealed a kudu kill east of Room 1, likely made by the lone lioness. She had since vacated the area, possibly to move her cubs to safety. At least seven hyenas were found feeding on the carcass.
General game sightings were strong across the concession. Animals were frequently observed in areas of short grass where they had better visibility against predators. Giraffes were often accompanied by other herbivores, benefitting from their height for early predator detection.
Elephant numbers increased significantly, with large breeding herds returning to the area. Zebra and giraffe populations also grew steadily. Numerous young animals were recorded, including calves and foals of roan antelope, zebra, impala, wildebeest, and elephants. Large herds of buffalo were regularly seen near the Spillway and occasionally ventured close to the northern and western edges of camp, usually within mopane thickets. The growing number of prey species supported increased predator activity.
Night drives were incredibly rewarding, providing encounters with springhares, civets, scrub hares, genets, and more fascinating nocturnal creatures. We even discovered an aardwolf den in Spillway, although the mother wisely moved her pups due to rising floodwaters.
Birding remained excellent in and around camp. Carmine and European bee-eaters were commonly seen flying alongside game drive vehicles, feeding on insects flushed from the grass. Other bee-eater species included blue-cheeked, swallow-tailed, and little bee-eaters. Fork-tailed drongos and various migratory species, including Amur falcons and kestrels, were also observed.
Cuckoo species recorded included black, striped, Jacobin, Diederic and cuckooshrikes. Numerous raptors were present, including brown, black-chested, long-crested, and western-banded snake eagles, as well as tawny eagles, African harrier-hawks, African hawk-eagles, bateleurs, and martial eagles.
Reptile activity was high due to favourable temperatures and abundant insect prey. A large crocodile continued to be seen regularly basking on the sandbank across from Room 9. During the month an African rock python was found during a walk after birds alerted guides to its presence. Other reptiles seen included rock monitors, water monitors, and leopard tortoises. We also witnessed a black mamba swimming across the water at JD’s Crossing. It submerged entirely before reappearing on the far side.
The landscape changed dramatically with the arrival of floodwaters. Lush greenery was accented by blooming flowers in red, yellow, white, purple, and pink. This mix of fresh growth and dried grasses created a vibrant mosaic. Sunrises and sunsets were especially stunning, made even more beautiful by colorful clouds and reflections on the water. The presence of dead trees added a sculptural element to the terrain.
Mokoro excursions offered excellent sightings, with ample water and a rich diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. Painted reed frogs and long reed frogs were frequently seen. Waterbirds included both African and lesser jacanas, as well as pied and malachite kingfishers. Day and night water lilies were also observed in bloom.
Night skies were exceptionally clear following recent rains. Prominent constellations such as the Southern Cross, Orion, and Scorpius were easily visible. Planets including Jupiter, Mars, and Venus were also seen. The Milky Way was especially vivid, with occasional sightings of shooting stars.
