Lion sightings across the Kwara concession were consistently productive throughout the month. The Kwara Pride, previously cohesive, had fragmented into smaller groups, each occupying different zones across the range. One group of two lionesses with six cubs, ranging between four and seven months old, was regularly located west of Bat-Eared Fox Den. Another subgroup comprising four lionesses with five cubs was tracked on the western side of Diulo Road and was later seen joining the two lionesses and their cubs near the den.
In the same vicinity, a third unit of three lionesses and a sub-adult male was observed moving from the east of Bat-Eared Fox Den toward Kwara Camp, where they were located feeding on a wildebeest kill. A larger group, consisting of six lionesses, a sub-adult male, and three dominant males, was noted moving frequently between 4 Rivers, Bat-Eared Fox Den, Splash, and up to the Paradise area.
Further south, the Mmaleitho Pride was regularly recorded between Nari Pan and Mabala-a-Matlotse, often near Splash Camp. Tracks of an unknown pride prompted a temporary split in the group, but they later reunited on a zebra foal kill along Mokoro Station Road, which was quickly taken over by a large hyena clan. The Splash males were located in multiple territories, usually with full bellies, and a nomadic lioness gradually became more relaxed with vehicles. Another small pride comprising one adult female, two sub-adult females, and a sub-adult male was tracked from Impala Pan to the boat station, where they were later seen feeding on a wildebeest. Towards the end of the month, three sub-adults attempted a zebra hunt near Baboon Island without success. Several sightings also occurred around Sephane-sa-ga-Mojerimane and Last Mabala.
Leopard sightings were frequent and well-tracked. One dominant female was observed multiple times throughout the month. She was initially spotted up a leadwood tree near camp, then later in a sausage tree near Waterbuck Pan, and again in a deadwood tree nearby. The resident male, known as Rra Tsebe, was seen in the Bale’s Road area resting up a tree over two days—first with a full belly and later appearing to have been displaced by lions in the area. Towards the end of the month, a sub-adult male was found feeding on an impala kill in a tree east of Bat-Eared Fox Den while a hyena waited below. Some leopards in the area remained shy and were only briefly seen before retreating into cover.
A solitary male cheetah was located near Lechwe Plains with an empty belly and was observed unsuccessfully chasing warthogs. That afternoon he was found feeding on a piglet. The following day, he was displaced by a coalition of two males who were subsequently tracked moving west. The same male was later seen near Jackal Den, then resting in a sausage tree by Wild Dog Pan. The two males were also located with full stomachs north of Ngorongoro Plains and later moved through mopane woodland. Another sighting of the solitary male occurred near Bat-Eared Plains, where he appeared agitated due to nearby lion presence.
A pack of 19 African wild dog was tracked near Sethabana after a two-hour effort and found resting in the shade. That afternoon they made a kudu kill near the new bridge. Another sighting of a pack of 12 occurred west of Waterbuck Pan. This group was observed resting, then hunting through the marshes south of camp before moving west of the fishing boat channel. Tracks indicated their continued movement eastward toward Ngayaya Lagoon, although visual confirmation was not made.
Hyena activity was high throughout the month. A deceased elephant north of the camp attracted consistent sightings over several days, with individuals observed ranging from solitary animals to clans of up to 15. Hyenas were also seen trailing wild dogs during their hunts. Notably, a large group of hyenas took over a zebra foal carcass from the Mmaleitho Pride. Movement patterns suggested the presence of a den site in the mopane thickets north of Tsessebe Pan. Additionally, hyenas were spotted scavenging at several lion kills near Wild Dog Pan.
General game density remained strong across the concession. Plains game such as zebras, wildebeests, tsessebes, giraffes, impalas, and baboons were commonly observed, especially around Impala Pan, Ngorongoro Plains, and Mmolokimabala. Elephants, especially breeding herds, were more elusive early in the month but began to return mid-month, approaching the floodplains from the treeline. Sable antelope were recorded on occasion, and hippos remained present in waterholes, taking advantage of ample water supply.
Nocturnal drives provided successful sightings of small mammals. Springhares, honey badgers, white-tailed mongooses, genets, and bush babies were seen regularly. African wild cats and servals were also sighted, the latter notably active in the grasslands near Mmolokimabala.
Birding was excellent with numerous migratory and resident species recorded. These included southern carmine and European bee-eaters, cuckoos, broad-billed rollers, and various raptors such as bateleur, tawny eagle, African fish eagle, and martial eagle. Wetland species such as wattled cranes and yellow-billed storks were observed in key floodplain areas. Vultures—hooded, lappet-faced, white-headed, and white-backed—were regularly seen over carcasses.
Insect activity was high, with butterflies, dragonflies, and moths abundant. Rock and water monitors were observed in multiple locations. Juvenile crocodiles were present in pans across the area, having moved from the river. A black mamba was spotted being mobbed by birds in a tree near Magotho Road. A rock python was seen on multiple occasions along Hobbs Road. Other snakes, including cobras, were briefly sighted retreating into dense grass.
The landscape remained lush from recent rainfall, with full waterholes and widespread flowering. Clear skies for much of the month made for excellent star-gazing. Common constellations included Orion’s Belt, Taurus, the Southern Cross, Sirius, and Pleiades. Planets visible included Jupiter, Mars, and later in the month, Venus and Saturn. The condition of the concession and its diverse habitats supported a high volume of wildlife activity and excellent tracking conditions throughout the reporting period.
