Lion sightings were strong throughout the month, with some dramatic developments involving the Mmaleitho Pride. Early in the month, two new males entered the area while the resident Splash males remained absent. This intrusion caused considerable upheaval. The new males harassed the subadults of the Mmaleitho Pride, forcing the pride to scatter temporarily. One subadult female was observed alone west of Splash Camp. Another encounter saw a subadult female stalking wild dogs near Mogobe-wa-Marapo-a-Kubu Pan, only to find herself surrounded — she escaped unscathed.
Later, this same lioness was seen in a fierce skirmish with two spotted hyenas over a buffalo calf carcass west of Baboon Island. Eventually, the Mmaleitho Pride regrouped on the eastern side of Splash Camp, where they brought down a zebra. However, their success was short-lived, as a clan of fifteen hyenas arrived and overwhelmed them, taking the carcass. At the end of the month, all five members of the Mmaleitho Pride were located west of Matlhajwa Link, where they successfully hunted another zebra.
The Kwara Pride remained highly active in the western parts of the concession. The full pride, consisting of seven females, two subadults, and twelve cubs of varying ages (from three to ten months), was observed several times. Early in the month, they were seen feeding on a zebra carcass south of Last Mabala with the three resident Kwara males. Often, the pride would split into two groups — mothers with older cubs hunting separately.
Mid-month, one group was seen feeding on a giraffe calf near Willie’s Valley. On another occasion, they successfully killed two warthogs in a single hunt at Tsum Tsum Crossing. Toward the latter part of the month, the pride was seen feeding on a zebra carcass near Sephane-sa-ga-Mojerimane, again joined by the Kwara males. One male and two females were also observed trailing a buffalo herd, although no kill was made.
A sub-group of four subadults (one male and three females) was seen in various parts of the concession. They were followed one morning to a zebra carcass already being scavenged by hyenas, possibly stolen from the young lions. On another occasion, they brought down a kudu along Cheetah Road.
A new pride of nine — made up of two lionesses and seven subadult males — was seen at Nari Pan towards month-end, heading north into mopane woodland. Additionally, three nomadic subadults (two males and a female) were seen occasionally in the eastern areas of the concession.
The three resident Kwara males continued to dominate the northwest but were seen ranging eastward, possibly encroaching on Splash territory. The Splash males were only sighted once this month at Mabala-a-Dikgokong, feeding on a zebra carcass believed to have been stolen from two nomadic males active in that area.
Leopard activity increased in the latter part of the month. The resident male, known as RraTsebe or “Golden Boy,” was spotted several times: once feeding on a baboon carcass and on other occasions resting near the airstrip.
A suspected den site was confirmed west of Splash Camp when a female was observed carrying food to two young cubs. Additional sightings included females with impala kills hoisted into trees, often with hyenas waiting below. One sighting involved a female fending off a hyena over a male impala carcass. Towards month-end, a female was seen carrying her cub east of Lechwe Plains into dense thickets.
Two packs of African wild dogs were observed during the month. The larger pack of fifteen was seen regularly hunting between Bat-Eared Fox and River Road. They made multiple kills — including reedbuck and impala — and were observed interacting with hyenas and lions on occasion.
A smaller pack of eight was seen less frequently, but two individuals were observed feeding on an impala before retreating into mopane woodland. Tracks and vulture activity suggested additional kills occurred just out of sight, particularly near the far west of the concession boundary where the larger pack is denning.
Cheetah sightings were excellent. A long-missing female returned with a subadult cub, now approximately 14 months old. They were regularly tracked between Mabala-a-Dikgokong and Cheetah Road. On one occasion, they were observedmaking a successful impala kill near the new bridge. Guides recorded five consecutive days of sightings mid-month and another feeding session on a tsessebe west of Bat-Eared Fox later in the month.
Spotted hyena activity was consistent throughout the month. Notable interactions included a hyena confronting a lioness over a buffalo calf carcass west of Baboon Island, and multiple hyenas scavenging from leopard and lion kills across the concession. Night drives often revealed hyena sightings, particularly near camps, despite seasonal flooding in known denning areas.
Elephants and buffalo were seen in large numbers, particularly around Last Mabala and the Bat-Eared Fox area. Plains game such as zebra, tsessebe, giraffe, kudu, red lechwe, impala, and common reedbuck were all present. Sitatuanga were observed from boat cruises on several occasions.
There were strong sightings of smaller carnivores and nocturnal species, including honey badgers, servals, civets, genets, jackals, wild cats, springhares, and porcupines. A special highlight included a pangolin sighting during a night drive at Mabala-a-Matlotse-a-Kwara — a rare and celebrated encounter.
Birding was excellent due to the rising floodwaters. Waterbird species such as pelicans, wattled cranes, saddle-billed storks, and a variety of egrets were frequently recorded. Raptors included bateleurs, tawny eagles, western banded snake eagles, and long-crested eagles. Owls such as barn, white-faced, and Verreaux’s were noted during night drives. Activity at the Godikwe heronry increased, with marabou storks, herons, and cormorants congregating.
Despite cooler temperatures, guides recorded several sightings of reptiles , including African rock pythons, puff adders, and even black mambas , on multiple occasions. Crocodiles were often seen sunning near waterholes and along the Monachira River. Monitor lizards — both rock and water species — were common.
The Kwara Concession received annual floodwaters this month, rejuvenating floodplains and replenishing channels. Seasonal pans in the east began drying, while the west remained lush. Mopane, sausage, and apple-leaf trees began shedding, with some grasslands turning golden under the winter sun. Star-filled skies delighted guests on night drives, and sunsets over flooded channels added to the area’s photographic appeal.
