April was an incredible month for lion sightings at Lagoon Camp.
The majestic Holi Pride was a regular presence, especially on the islands, and we suspect they recently gave birth, as some lionesses were pregnant before disappearing.
A powerful coalition of three male lions feasted on a zebra kill, and later that same day, the Mma Mosetha Pride, consisting of two lionesses and four cubs, made a wildebeest their meal. Another remarkable sighting involved two lionesses with six adorable cubs enjoying a warthog kill near Halfway Pan. The lions truly made their presence known in the area!
Leopards with little ones
Leopard sightings were nothing short of extraordinary, with at least five resident leopards in the area, and we were treated to their stunning presence almost daily. One female leopard recently gave birth to two adorable cubs, and we located their den, but we provided them with space and time to grow and explore.
Cheetah sightings were equally abundant. Two resident brothers made themselves quite visible, appearing almost daily. We witnessed two successful kills during this period. These magnificent felines have primarily explored the western area near the airstrip and Water Cut; seemingly, they have narrowed their territory for now.
While spotted hyenas were less frequently sighted this month, a new hyena den was discovered at Grass Pan, and it’s a substantial one. We observed over 12 adult hyenas and two shy cubs!
Magnificent elephant herds, graceful elands, plus the return of sable and roan antelope was a notable highlight, coinciding with lowering water levels in some watering holes. Overall, antelopes and giraffes provided excellent viewing opportunities.
Bat-eared foxes delighted us with their presence and we observed different families in good numbers. The spirited sided-striped and black-backed jackals also made appearances, their playful nature enchanting us during night game drives. Additionally, we spotted creatures like genets, spring hares, porcupines, and civets, as our trackers illuminated the nocturnal wonders of the wild.
Birdwatching enthusiasts treated to a spectacle at Lagoon Camp
Large flocks of marabou storks and saddle-billed storks graced the marshes and seasonal channels, indulging in a fish feast as the water levels receded. The deep colours of white-fronted bee-eaters and little bee-eaters added a touch of magic to our boat cruises, and the water monitor lizards made sporadic appearances too. The vibrant green spotted bush snake has become a familiar sight around the camp, luckily this snake is not considered dangerous to humans. Majestic eagles such as tawny, martial, and short-tailed further enriched the avian diversity of the region this April.
(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!)
