One of the exciting sightings of the month came when guides responded to a call-in and arrived at an active buffalo kill near BDF Island. Three males were feeding, confirming both hunting success and the continued influence of these incoming lions on the resident prides.
Early in the month, three males expanding from the Moremi side were encountered deeper within the reserve, frequently located feeding on buffalo, kudu and red lechwe. Their presence introduced clear territorial pressure, particularly around the BDF forest where they were later found mating with lionesses over several days.
At the same time, the well-known Trudy’s pride remained active, although their range had shifted northwards. With their southern areas less accessible, they were regularly located between Rra Dinare, Mma Dinare and Nxaraga, continuing to hunt and adapt to changing conditions. One of the subadult females, recognised for her hunting ability, was again observed contributing to successful hunts within the group.
Elsewhere, the larger Tee pride, numbering around 16 individuals, showed signs of instability, having split following pressure from the incoming males. Their movements remained less predictable as they adjusted to the changing dynamics.
Leopard activity remained strong throughout the month, with several high-quality sightings.
Rra Lebodu, the dominant male, was seen on multiple occasions, including mating with two different females at separate times. Mid-month, he was located again between the camps with an impala kill.
One of the more interesting encounters involved two leopards positioned in separate trees within close proximity. While observing the initial sighting, movement from nearby lionesses explained the behaviour, with both leopards appearing to have taken refuge above ground. The pair remained in the area for several days, later feeding on an impala kill before moving on.
Additional sightings included a male resting in a tree along Makudi Road and a female moving through the BDF forest. A resident female with a cub, estimated at around nine months old, was also seen, adding to what remained consistently strong leopard viewing.
Cheetahs adapting and hunting in cover
Cheetah activity remained a highlight, particularly with the continued presence of the four brothers.
Their movements became more concentrated within the reserve, and they were followed on several occasions through marking areas and hunting grounds. Tracking them required patience, particularly as they operated more frequently within longer grass and woodland edges rather than open plains.
On one extended morning drive, the coalition was followed for several hours as they moved with clear intent. The effort was rewarded when they successfully brought down a young zebra, demonstrating the advantage of hunting as a group. Their ability to work together allowed them to position, ambush and complete a hunt that would be difficult for a single individual.
African wild dog activity varied across the month, but several notable encounters were recorded.
A large pack of approximately 25 individuals moved through the concession, likely displaced from surrounding areas, while the resident pack of around 19 was also located on several occasions, often during active hunts.
Another smaller pack of 13 was briefly seen, identifiable by darker coats and visible injuries on some individuals. Movements across all packs suggested a wider-ranging pattern at this time of year, with packs covering large areas and not remaining in one location for extended periods.
Spotted hyena activity was evident throughout the month, both through sightings and constant vocalisations at night. On one occasion, hyenas were followed as they tracked a pack of wild dogs during a hunt, although no interaction or kill was seen. Their presence was also clear around carcasses and feeding areas, reinforcing their role in the predator hierarchy.
Herds, water and new life across the reserve
General game remained abundant, with strong concentrations of buffalo, elephant, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe seen throughout the reserve.
Buffalo herds varied widely in size, from smaller groups of around 30 individuals to larger herds approaching 500. Large Elephant herds moved steadily through the area and opened pathways used by other species.
Red lechwe, waterbuck and other antelope were present in good numbers, particularly in areas influenced by new water flow. One of the more notable seasonal changes was the return of water to the Mogigelo River, which had remained dry for many years. This shift attracted a wide range of species and significantly increased activity along its course.
A particularly memorable moment came during a morning drive when a zebra birth was witnessed, highlighting the productivity of the season.
Smaller mammals added variety to drives, with regular sightings of black-backed jackals, African wild cat and honey badger. A caracal was also seen on several occasions, adding a rarer element to sightings.
Birdlife remained active, with species such as southern carmine bee-eaters, woolly-necked storks, Abdim’s storks, comb ducks and wattled cranes present in good numbers. Vultures were frequently observed both in trees and on carcasses, indicating active predator presence.
Insect activity increased noticeably, with butterflies, dragonflies and spiders common across the reserve, while the evenings were filled with the sound of frogs and crickets.
