The resident pack of 18 African wild dogs, called the Golden Pack, was very active. On one occasion, they were found near Freddy’s Sausage Tree, where they had successfully hunted a red lechwe. However, they were quickly challenged by five hyenas, who ultimately stole the carcass.
Later, the pack was seen around the camp, having killed two impalas. They were then observed crossing the airstrip towards the floodplains, where they made two successful kills of common reedbuck. Towards the end of the month at Lechwe Plains, the pack was seen taking down two waterbuck calves in front of the herd.
Lions were observed throughout the month, with consistent activity recorded across the concession. Early in the month, the Kwara Pride was tracked east of Jackal Den after spoor was discovered near the airstrip. The lions were found actively hunting a large herd of buffalo, although their attempt was unsuccessful.
Later, a mating pair was located near the Bat-eared Fox area after their vocalisations were heard while guides had stopped to observe a flock of southern ground hornbills.
Guides tracked fresh spoor at Wild Dog Pan mid-month and located three females and a sub-adult male stalking zebra in tall grass. The lions attempted a coordinated ambush, but a zebra standing on a termite mound noticed one of the lionesses and alarmed the rest of the group. The lions retreated and rested under a nearby bush.
The Mmaleitho Pride was active in several areas, including in front of camp, where they were well concealed in the grass awaiting zebra at a waterhole. A successful ambush followed, observed by guests from Room 1. Another sighting of this pride was recorded at Waterbuck Pan, where they had brought down a wildebeest, though the carcass was soon taken by a clan of five hyenas. The pride was later found marking territory near Sable Island, indicating an extension of their range. Meanwhile, the Kwara Pride continued to occupy areas to the west, particularly around Tsum Tsum, Wild Dog Pan, Last Mabala, and Double Crossing.
Later in the month, the Kwara Pride was found at Willies Valley—12 females and sub-adults along with seven cubs. Two additional females with four very young cubs, estimated to be around three weeks old, joined the pride, offering a rare opportunity to observe the integration of new cubs. Along Machaba East, four lionesses and a sub-adult male were tracked until they successfully hunted a wildebeest. Near Sephane Saga Mjeremani, the full pride—around 25 lions including three dominant males—was seen feeding on a zebra kill. There was notable tension among the males as they asserted their dominance over the carcass.
From treekills to termite mounds
Leopard sightings were productive, with multiple individuals observed across the concession. The resident male, Rratsebe, was seen patrolling territory east of Sable Island and later resting on the western side of Bush Branch Island. He appeared hungry, prompting guides to follow as he moved into thicker bush. Rratsebe’s territorial activity was frequent and competitive, especially after another male was seen resting with a full belly south of New Bridge.
A shy leopard cub was seen east of Giraffe Pan, suspected to be hidden while the mother was hunting. A male was located on an impala kill near Impala Pan, relaxed enough to be viewed for an extended period. Later, a female was found feeding on an impala she had hoisted into a tree. Her full belly and relaxed demeanour allowed guests ample viewing time.
Cheetah sightings were excellent, with a coalition of two males seen east of Ngorongoro and along the valley east of Tsutsum, often with full bellies, indicating successful hunts. On one morning drive, the pair was tracked and observed bringing down a waterbuck.
A lone male was tracked on the northwestern side of the concession, where he made a warthog kill and rested on a termite mound. On another occasion, he was seen chasing and catching a subadult tsessebe near Wild Dog Pan. However, the adults in the herd returned and drove him off the kill, forcing him to retreat.
Spotted hyenas were seen regularly, including a group of three scavenging a hippo carcass at Lechwe Plains, which also attracted over 100 white-backed vultures. The resident clan was frequently active near camp and during night drives, often vocalising or following other predators. Whooping calls were commonly heard in the evenings.
From aardwolves to Eagles
Game viewing was strong throughout the concession. Large herds of elephants and buffalo were observed, particularly in the afternoons as they moved from the woodlands to drink. Plains game included abundant zebra, impala (still in rut), tsessebe, red lechwe, common reedbuck, steenbok, and sable antelope.
During our night drives, we encountered several interesting animals, including small-spotted genets, civets, spring hares, bush babies, African wild cats, porcupines, and servals. We witnessed a serval successfully hunting a mouse, which was exciting to see. Additionally, we had a rare sighting of an aardwolf east of the camp. A small-spotted cat was observed very close to a vehicle before it retreated.
Fewer reptile sightings occurred due to the cold. Puff adders and crocodiles were the most frequently encountered species, particularly along riverbanks during boat cruises. Occasional sightings of striped skinks and geckos were recorded. Angolan painted frogs and long reed frogs remained visible during mokoro outings.
Resident bird species dominated as migratory birds had mostly departed. Starlings, vultures, and ground hornbills were frequently seen. Kingfishers (pied, malachite, striped, and giant), bateleurs, martial eagles, brown and black-chested snake eagles, secretary birds, and kori bustards were also observed. Heronries at Godikwe and Xhobega were less active due to colder conditions, with a few marabou storks, reed cormorants, and sacred ibises still breeding.
The landscape changed dramatically during the month as winter took hold. Green grasses began turning brown in a matter of days. Mopane and sausage trees started shedding leaves. The floodwaters arrived, raising water levels in the main river channels and rejuvenating marsh grasses. Flowering plants such as Nidorella, Vlei Ink, and Sopubia were observed in bloom across the floodplains.
Guided walks were productive due to the short grass and cool conditions. Tracks, signs, insects, and occasional large mammal encounters were part of the experience. Boat cruises yielded regular sightings of crocodiles, hippos, and birdlife. Mokoro excursions through the big lagoon were peaceful, with sightings of water lilies and reed frogs enhancing the experience.
