Lion activity was consistent and widespread across the concession. Multiple prides, including Tee’s Pride, the Trudy Pride, and the coalition known as the Gomoti Boys, were observed throughout the month. Early in in the month, Tee’s Pride was located feeding on a buffalo approximately 5 km from Rra Dinare Camp, having passed close by camp in the early morning. One of the oldest males was observed taking down a buffalo calf between the two camps, while an older lioness was found with four cubs estimated to be three weeks old near the mokoro station.
At Mma Dinare, two subadult females from the Trudy Pride were spotted with a buffalo kill just behind Tent . The Gomoti Boys were also tracked along the floodplains, where they were found vocalizing and moving around after a night of roaring. Later in the month, a group of four males was observed resting along the roadside. Further tracking revealed a coalition interacting with lionesses at Marula Island. Several feeding events were noted, including two lionesses and their cubs feeding on a male kudu, as well as three lionesses with a subadult male on a buffalo carcass near Marula.
Leopard sightings required dedicated tracking. A dominant male leopard was located twice near Mma Dinare Camp, both times with impala kills. On one occasion, he was found marking territory early in the morning. A female leopard with a cub was also observed near Nxaraga Pan. Additionally, a large male was tracked and found feeding on an impala near the firebreak. Another female was seen along Ryder’s Crossing marking territory.
The resident coalition of four male cheetahs remained active and visible throughout the month. During the beginning of the month, they were separated—possibly due to the presence of other predators—but they were later observed regrouping and engaging in hunting behaviour. We tracked and observed several hunts in progress, though not all resulted in a kill.
A female with four cubs, estimated to be 3–4 months old, was seen multiple times near Katie’s Pan. We witnessed vocalisations between the cubs and mother. The cheetahs were often observed during transfers to and from the airstrip and remained highly mobile across the concession.
Two packs of African wild dogs were recorded. A larger pack of 24 was seen frequently near an old den site. Three females appeared heavily pregnant, and researchers assisted with locating the pack for further monitoring. Behavioural interactions, including social bonding and feeding, were observed. One morning, the pack passed by Mma Dinare while guests were having breakfast. They were later found finishing off a baby kudu kill. A smaller pack of four, initially seen with eight puppies, was later sighted with only three puppies near Oracle Crossing, likely indicating natural attrition. The pack had shifted to the northern reaches of the concession.
Spotted hyenas were seen regularly during night drives and occasionally at carcasses. We located seven individuals who were feeding on a zebra early one morning, after hearing their calls during breakfast. Brown hyenas were observed on several occasions—an increasingly common sighting in the area, but still very unusual for the Okavango Delta as they usually prefer more arid habitats.
Game viewing remained excellent across the concession. Regular sightings included large herds of red lechwe, waterbuck, zebra, wildebeest, elephant, giraffe, kudu, steenbok, impala, and bushbuck. Dagga boys (old buffalo bulls) were seen frequently, especially at waterholes. Activity was concentrated along the water’s edge, particularly in the wet western sectors. Small antelope, such as steenbok, were often spotted darting between thicker vegetation.
There were regular sightings of black-backed jackals, frequently scavenging from predator kills. Bat-eared foxes were located several times, particularly along the open plains. An African wildcat with a cub was located near the firebreak close to camp. Genets, servals, honey badgers, and aardwolves contributed to the variety of wildlife sightings after dark.
Birdwatching was incredible, with over 300 species in the area. Winter flooding attracted large numbers of aquatic and raptor species. Regular sightings included saddle-billed storks, kingfishers, African jacanas, geese, and ducks. Raptors observed included tawny eagles, brown snake eagles, white-backed, hooded, and lappet-faced vultures. Southern ground hornbills, wattled cranes, black herons, and slaty egrets were also recorded.
Cooler conditions reduced overall reptile activity, but Nile crocodiles and water monitors were still seen near water sources. Occasional sightings of snakes, including Mozambique spitting cobras, were recorded. Insects such as dragonflies, butterflies (notably the African monarch), and pond skaters were observed, particularly near the Gomoti River.
All game viewing activities were available during June, including day and night game drives, guided bush walks, and mokoro excursions in the floodplain areas. Night skies remained exceptionally clear, offering excellent stargazing. Prominent constellations visible included the Southern Cross, Orion, Scorpius, Canis Major, and Canis Minor. Notable planets included Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus.
