The Holi Pride, consisting of two lionesses and five cubs estimated to be between seven and eight months old, was tracked several times. The cubs were occasionally seen alone while the lionesses were out hunting. Another part of the Holi Pride, including one lioness and seven sub-adults, was observed twice after being tracked to the south-west of camp. The dominant coalition of three males associated with this pride was located multiple times. On one occasion, they were seen feeding on a buffalo they had taken down.
The “Golden Boys”, a well-known coalition dominant in the southern part of the reserve and associated with multiple prides, were repeatedly tracked and observed. These males were recognised for their effectiveness in hunting buffalo, with five kills recorded during the month. One particular incident involved them taking down four buffalo in a single hunt — two adults and two calves.
North of the camp, two unfamiliar males were tracked and later observed mating with a lioness and feeding on a buffalo. Shortly afterwards, another coalition of two males appeared in the same area. A confrontation ensued between the two coalitions at First Lagoon, resulting in one group being driven off and crossing into Namibia. Territorial calling between these males was frequently heard during the night.
Leopard sightings remained steady and dependable. A well-known female, along with her two sub-adult male offspring, was tracked regularly and spotted almost daily. The mother was especially successful at hunting, having made six confirmed kills during the month — mainly male impalas.Guides tracked another female leopard on the 10th. During the sighting, she encountered the female with two sub-adults on a kill, which led to a brief confrontation. The mother lost the encounter and fled.
One of the larger male leopards in the concession was found feeding on a red lechwe alongside a female. They were later seen mating at the same site. On the third day, their kill was taken by lions.
Denning Dogs & Spots everywhere
Sightings of the African wild dog pack remained productive. A small pack of four dogs was denning with six pups, which were seen being fed by regurgitation during both morning and afternoon drives. Initially, the pack numbered six, but two were lost to lions early in the month.
The two resident male cheetahs were active and regularly seen, primarily in the northern part of by the airstrip. They were tracked and located daily. The coalition was observed hunting on multiple occasions, with six confirmed kills of impala recorded. Additionally, two sub-adults — a male and a female — were seen once by the guiding team near the airstrip.
Spotted hyenasightings were initially limited but improved following the discovery of a new den site mid-month. The den was located about a ten minute drive from camp and was active in both morning and afternoon. Five adults and three cubs, estimated to be around two months old, were observed.
From herds to hares
Elephant numbers increased markedly as inland pans dried up, causing herds to gather along the river. They were often seen drinking and bathing during the day, especially around brunch hours. Other herbivores such as buffalo, giraffe, red lechwe, and sable antelope were commonly observed. A relaxed herd of fourteen sable antelope was seen on several occasions, along with scattered individuals.
A notable nocturnal sighting occurred when an aardvark was encountered during a night drive.
Small mammals were seen regularly, particularly on evening activities. White-tailed mongoose were encountered often, and sightings of bat-eared fox were recorded almost daily. Other notable species included aardwolf, African wild cat, porcupine, African civet, and various jackals.
Water and dryland bird species were well represented. A pair of wattled cranes were observed nesting roughly 200 metres from camp along the river. Saddle-billed storks and Goliath herons were consistently recorded around Muddy Waters Lagoon. Vultures were frequently seen at carcasses.
Summer migrants began to return, with carmine bee-eaters seen in increasing numbers. Guides are monitoring the area to locate their current nesting site. Purple rollers and ground hornbills were also recorded in multiple locations.
Crocodiles of various sizes were seen along the river on a daily basis. Some individuals were notably relaxed, allowing close approach. Water monitors were also observed during drives near the river.
The dry season was in full swing. Many tree species started shedding old leaves as new growth appeared, especially along riverbanks where trees were flowering. Shepherd’s trees on dry land stayed green, and grass cover had mostly dried up.
Clear skies throughout the month provided excellent stargazing opportunities during night drives. The Southern Cross and the Milky Way were consistently visible. Planets such as Jupiter and Venus were observed early in the mornings.
