Lion, leopard and cheetah activity was significant at Kwara and Splash Camps throughout January.
We discovered fresh lion tracks in the Bat-Eared Fox area during a morning drive at Kwara. Following the tracks, we found three females and one male subadult stalking a herd of tsessebe antelopes. Despite their coordinated hunting effort, the antelopes escaped, and the pride eventually took refuge in nearby bushes. Later in the afternoon, we encountered the same pride feeding on a zebra carcass, with one lioness still enjoying her meal.
At Splash Camp, lions were frequently seen, often during rainy weather. They were observed near Matswere Pan with a successful wildebeest kill. Later in the month, we witnessed a confrontation between lions and hyenas near the camp, where the hyenas ultimately stole a zebra carcass. Male lions roared throughout the camp, especially near Nari Pan, where they were found resting with full bellies.
Early in the month, we encountered the Kwara pride, which consisted of 12 females and subadults, as well as seven cubs, resting under a bush after a successful night of hunting. A coalition of three dominant male lions was spotted in the same area. We tracked a male lion from the Mmaleitlho pride near Tau Island, where he had fresh wounds from a fight with intruder males. We followed him as he rejoined his pride and fed on a reedbuck.
Leopard sightings were exceptional. At Kwara, we observed a mother leopard and her cub east of Nare Pan, although the shy cub quickly disappeared into the thickets. A male leopard was spotted at Motswere Pan with an impala kill, but he fled before we could get a good view.
The famous old male leopard, Rratsebe, was seen patrolling his territory near the airstrip. We tracked his roar to Giraffe Pan, where he was resting on a sand patch.
At Splash Camp, the leopard sightings were equally impressive. A mother and cub were observed early in the month, and later, we found an adult male near Pelican Pan perched in a tree with an impala kill. Additionally, an aggressive male leopard was spotted near Willy’s Lagoon, also with his own impala kill.
Cheetah sightings were noteworthy at both camps. In the Kwara region, two male cheetahs were seen feeding on an impala at Lechwe Corner. We also witnessed one male cheetah who attempted to hunt warthog piglets near Bat-Eared Fox but was unsuccessful.
At Splash Camp, a coalition of brother cheetahs was observed during the first two weeks of January. During the second week, they were found resting with full bellies near Middle East Pan. Later that same week, the same cheetah brothers were spotted near Waterbuck Pan; however, despite tracking efforts, no successful hunts were recorded.
Of Packs and Opportunists: African wild dogs and hyenas
At Kwara, near Mothusi Crossing, the well-known golden pack of 25 African wild dogs was observed finishing off a male lechwe they had killed. This same pack was spotted again later in the month near Elephant West Road, where they quickly took down an impala near Honeymoon Pan.
At Splash Camp, a pack of 27 wild dogs was seen; the puppies were growing rapidly, putting pressure on the parents to hunt effectively. Throughout the month, this pack was observed hunting kudu and impala. They even attempted to catch a kudu near the camp! But, the kudu managed to escape into the water, where the dogs couldn’t follow due to the presence of hippos.
Spotted hyena sightings were consistent at both camps. At Kwara, hyenas were regularly observed south of the camp, where they have established a permanent presence. Cubs of various ages and several adults were seen scavenging on wild dog kills and foraging through the grasslands. Similarly, at Splash Camp, hyenas were frequently spotted scavenging on zebra carcasses and moving through the tall grasses south of the old Mokoro station.
From herds to hidden gems
At Kwara, large herds of antelopes, giraffes, and zebras were spotted in the eastern part of the concession, near Splash Camp. However, elephant sightings decreased due to flooding, as most elephants moved into the woodlands. The overall game was also abundant at Splash Camp, with antelopes, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo in the area.
Both camps provided excellent sightings of small mammals.
On night drives at Kwara, African wild cats, bat-eared foxes, springhares, several civets, and porcupines were seen. Night drives at Splash Camp were also interesting. African wild cats were observed feeding on rats, bat-eared foxes were seen foraging, and Spring hares were spotted feeding on wild vegetables.
The reptiles and insects were abundant at both camps. At Kwara, leopard tortoises and hinged terrapins were seen in the marsh, while water monitor lizards were spotted feeding on fish and frogs. Pythons were also observed in dry woodlands and frogs were particularly vocal at night.
Across the Kwara Private Concession, we spotted carmine bee-eaters, yellow-billed kites, woodland kingfishers, and European rollers. The Godikwe and Xhobega heronries were active with egrets, sacred ibises, and marabou storks, among other species.
The landscape around both camps was lush and green due to heavy rains. At Kwara, all the watering holes were full, which created perfect conditions for animal distribution. Floodplains had water, and wildflowers were abundant, attracting butterflies for pollination. Similarly, at Splash Camp, the rainfall transformed the landscape that filled seasonal pans and created a beautiful green environment.
Mokoro activities at both camps were rewarding. At Kwara, we saw Angolan painted frogs, reed frogs and increased water lily flowers in the Big Lagoon. Sunset cruises offered excellent views of crocodiles and hippos. At Splash Camp, mokoro activities also produced sightings of frogs, and walking safaris allowed for great tracking opportunities.
(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)
