Lion activity was consistent throughout the concession. Multiple prides were observed in the region, with guides noting the territorial dynamics, particularly between the resident Kwara Pride and the Mma Leitho Pride, which was mainly seen on the eastern side.
Guides and trackers located three lionesses and a young male while tracking a known leopard and its cub. The lions caught the scent of a zebra, stalked the herd, and successfully brought one down. This sighting continued into the evening, with hyenas scavenging the remains overnight
The Kwara Pride, which comprised several adult lionesses, sub-adults, cubs, and three dominant males, moved across the west and north of the reserve. The males patrolled regularly but avoided the east due to the presence of the Mma Leitho coalition. A splinter group of sub-adults from the Kwara Pride, consisting of one male and three females, was regularly seen following buffalo herds and occasionally climbing trees to avoid the biting flies associated with the herds.
On another occasion, during a night drive, the Mma Leitho pride made a kill using the moonlight but was quickly displaced by three intruding males, suspected to have come from the Khwai area. The next morning, guides located the intruding males again feeding on a zebra kill east of Wild Dog Pan. A pride of nine lionesses with seven cubs was also sighted west of the Bat-eared Fox area. The Kwara Pride was often found with kills of zebra, kudu, and buffalo throughout the western, north-western, and eastern sectors.
Territories and tensions
Leopard sightings were strong throughout the month. A notable sighting occurred near Double Crossing, where a male leopard was seen feeding on a baboon in a sausage tree. A second male arrived shortly after, but no conflict was observed. The resident male, Rra Tsebe, remained elusive but was occasionally sighted in marshy areas.
A female with two cubs was seen north of New Bridge. Another female was encountered between Giraffe Pan and Motswiri Link, resting and grooming. In the third week, two males were observed feeding on baboons east of Wild Dog Pan. One was believed to be Rra Tsebe, the other an unidentified large male. Both were injured, indicating a territorial dispute.
Tracking efforts yielded good results with cheetahs. A coalition of two resident males was located west of the concession feeding on a freshly killed tsessebe. These males were seen several times during the month. A single male was observed twice on warthog kills in the Mabala region. Another sighting involved a female and her sub-adult daughter moving eastwards along Mojeremane Road, although they disappeared into thick mopane woodland before further observation could be made.
Packs and clans
African wild dog sightings were excellent. A large pack of approximately 27 individuals was denning to the west but hunted regularly within the concession. These dogs were seen several times a week, particularly near Bat-eared Fox Den and Honeymoon Pan, where kills were frequently located.
Additional packs were observed hunting impala near Green Pan and the Bat-eared Fox area. A smaller pack of 12 was seen with a successful impala kill, while a pack of 16 was tracked attempting a hunt with no success. It appeared the large denning pack had pushed smaller packs further afield.
Spotted hyena sightings were regular across the concession, especially during night drives. A newly discovered den between Firebreak and Buffalo Road east of Kwara was monitored. However, it was unclear if it was a permanent relocation from the original den to the southwest, which had flooded.
A clan of over 50 hyenas was observed scavenging from a dead elephant, and hyenas were seen daily, both independently and at lion or wild dog kill sites.
From day to night
General game viewing was exceptional. The concession supported large numbers of zebra, impala, tsessebe, giraffe, kudu, and red lechwe, particularly around the floodplains. Elephant numbers increased through the month, with consistent sightings at waterholes in the afternoons. Buffalo herds were seen in impressive numbers, particularly where grass was still tall. Reedbuck, steenbok, and common duiker were seen in the open areas.
Guides reported regular sightings of springhare, genets, civets, honey badgers, bush babies, and African wild cats during night drives. Serval and black-backed jackal were also seen, and mongoose species such as dwarf, banded, and slender were recorded.
Reptile sightings included water monitors, rock monitors, rock pythons, puff adders, and crocodiles along watercourses. Striped skinks, geckos, and even black mambas were recorded.
Bird activity was robust around Godikwe Lagoon, where water levels remained high. Species observed included pelicans, wattled cranes, marabou storks, sacred ibis, yellow-billed ducks, African jacana, egrets, and malachite kingfishers. The breeding colony at Godikwe was active with pink-backed pelicans, herons, and yellow-billed storks.
Dryland birds such as starlings, vultures, and ostriches were also frequently seen. Owl species, including giant eagle owls, were noted feeding on amphibians and smaller mammals.
Water and walking adventures
Mokoro activities continued throughout the month on the lagoon in front of the camp. Water levels remained stable due to late flooding, and guests enjoyed sightings of water lilies, frogs, and aquatic insects along the reed lines.
Boat cruises were productive for birding and offered scenic views of the islands and floodplains. Water-based activities remained a highlight due to the high water levels.
Guided walking safaris focused on tracks, smaller fauna, and plant identification. Guides used these opportunities to highlight ecological relationships and survival adaptations in the bush.
New floodwaters covered much of the floodplains. The Kwara Lagoon was full, with water reaching near the campfire area. Most of the landscape remained lush, though some mopane woodlands were drying as the season shifted. Grasses were tall, but buffalo herds were helping to reduce the height in feeding areas.
