Cheetah sightings were spectacular. The coalition of four brothers, known for their movements between the Dinare Private Reserve and Moremi Game Reserve, spent significant time with our guests.
Tracking these agile predators often required patience and the keen expertise of our guides, but the rewards were always well worth the effort. During one afternoon game drive, we located the thrilling sight of these cheetahs successfully hunting an impala. The coalition’s presence in the area provided countless other photographic opportunities, as they were often seen posing gracefully or engaging in high-speed pursuits.
Unusual wild dog denning at Dinare
Both camps recorded multiple encounters with African wild dogs, thanks to the discovery of wild dog dens on the eastern side of Rra Dinare, less than two kilometres from a spotted hyena den.
The pack of 19 wild dogs displayed unusual behaviour by establishing three dens within 200 meters of each other. Sadly, one of the females was found dead near the den site, but the presence of the dens suggests that new pups may soon be appearing, much to our anticipation.
A water-filled Gomoti River landscape
The annual floods transformed the area, with the Gomoti River channel rising and spilling over its banks. Water flowed through both camps, creating a lush, verdant environment. New grass shoots emerged, providing fresh grazing for herbivores. This natural spectacle offered stunning views from the main lounge deck, and mokoro excursions were a standout activity, with guests exploring the flooded channels and encountering animals from a unique and adventurous perspective.
The rising floods attracted various water birds, with a particularly noticeable increase in wattled cranes. Memorable sightings included grey herons, African fish eagles, and the elusive lesser jacana. Resident eagles, such as tawny, martial, and African hawk eagles, were also spotted throughout the month, adding to the rich avian diversity.
Lions and leopards of Dinare
The Gomoti Pride successfully took down a Cape buffalo, providing guests with a front-row seat to the pride feeding for three consecutive days between the camps. Vultures, including white-backed, hooded, and white-headed, were frequently seen scavenging on the carcass.
The lioness Mma-Tsebe and her five-month-old cubs were frequently spotted on the eastern side of Mma Dinare, adding a touch of tenderness to the otherwise fierce displays of power. The coalition of three brothers, known as the Gomoti Boys, were also active in the area, at one point stealing an impala kill from two unknown females. An unidentified pride of six lions was also sighted along Matotse Road, northeast of Mma Dinare, keeping the excitement levels high throughout the month.
The resident male leopard, Rra Lebodu, was seen mating with a female along Maporota Road near Mma Dinare, while another female leopard and her 11-month-old cub were spotted feeding on an impala kill near Rra Dinare Camp.
A particularly intense moment occurred when two female leopards engaged in a territorial fight along the river between the camps. Rra Lebodu also provided an unforgettable experience when he was observed taking down a kudu after a couple of hours of tracking, showcasing the stealth and strength of leopards in their natural habitat.
Hyena sightings were extremely rewarding, with a den on the eastern side of our camps. Guests observed six cubs and ten adults, relaxed and unbothered by our presence. The hyenas were often seen on the move, particularly at night, and frequently spotted near kills, showcasing their role as opportunistic scavengers in the ecosystem.
With the Gomoti River being the only reliable water source as the dry season progresses, large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and kudus were seen regularly along the shores. Large crocodiles basked in the sun along the floodplains during game drives. The hippo pool near the camp was another highlight, with the hefty herbivores often emerging from the water during evening sundowners, providing a perfect ending to the day.
At night, black-backed jackals were the most common, often seen near kills or carcasses. Honey badgers, aardwolves, serval cats, and wildcats were also observed.
(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!)
