Aardwolf sightings were particularly rewarding, with at least seven sightings recorded near First Lagoon. Additionally, a solitary individual was observed between First and Second Lagoon during night drives.
Lion activity remained strong throughout the month. The Holi Pride was frequently observed in the marshes along Water Cut and Muddy Waters, where they targeted red lechwe and reedbuck. They were also spotted feeding on a zebra carcass along James Road. Two lionesses with five cubs were consistently seen in the Seven Palms area. These females often left the cubs hidden while they went out to hunt. The three dominant males, locally known as the Golden Boys, were observed patrolling near Segweda and checking in on the pride.
Another pair of lionesses, referred to as the MmaTsebe Pride, were seen between the camp and the military post, including one sighting of a lioness feeding on a warthog carcass near the Cutline Pan. The MmaMosetlha Pride, typically located north of the camp, proved to be reliable and was seen on multiple occasions hunting and feeding on zebras. They were also sighted in the company of the large males near the airstrip.
Leopard sightings were quite successful. A sub-adult female was frequently spotted near Zebra Pan. Additionally, two sub-adult males were observed feeding on an impala carcass along Badisa Road; it was believed their mother made the kill and led them to the site before leaving them to eat. The mother leopard was later seen along Pan Road, actively hunting. A male leopard was also tracked near the camp and located on several occasions.
A pack of seven African wild dogs was followed closely this month. They were seen hunting impala, with mixed success. Sightings occurred on more than six occasions, usually during the early morning or late afternoon.
Spotted hyenas were encountered regularly, both at night and during daytime drives. Two active dens were monitored during the month, with cubs visible when weather permitted. Adults were seen foraging, following predators such as lions and cheetahs, and feeding on carcasses of zebra and wildebeest. A brown hyena was briefly observed on two separate night drives.
Cheetah activity was also very exciting and rewarding this month. A female cheetah and her two sub-adult offspring were spotted early in the month near the Plateau area, where they were observed hunting red lechwe and impala. The resident male coalition was tracked to Second Lagoon, where they were seen hunting wildebeest calves. On one occasion, a mother wildebeest successfully intervened to protect her calf. Later in the month, the same coalition was found feeding on a zebra foal near Maheke Road.
General game viewing was excellent. Numerous herds of zebra were present, with groups reaching up to fifty individuals. Wildebeest and impala were abundant, especially along the floodplains. Elephant sightings were less frequent due to widespread water availability in the woodlands. Occasional sightings of sable antelope and eland were recorded. Along the river and floodplain, red lechwe, waterbuck, and common reedbuck were seen in healthy numbers. Giraffe and greater kudu were typically found in woodland habitats.
Smaller mammals were observed regularly. African wildcats were seen four times, most often near Water Cut and Pan Road. Side-striped and black-backed jackals were encountered frequently, scavenging or actively hunting small birds. A caracal was found feeding on a steenbok carcass along Rakgolo Road, located after guides responded to spurfowl alarm calls. Springhares and scrub hares were regularly spotted during night drives.
Reptile and amphibian sightings included water monitor lizards seen along the riverbank foraging for insects, fish, and frogs. Butterflies such as African monarch, yellow pansy, and scarlet tip were seen in large numbers. Beetles including dung beetles, brown longhorns, net-winged, ground beetles, and tok-tokkies were recorded. Frog activity increased following rainfall, with guttural toads, bubbling kassinas, and banded rubber frogs observed.
Birding remained excellent throughout the month. Summer migrants such as European honey buzzards, steppe eagles, and yellow-billed kites were present. Resident raptors including African fish eagles were seen regularly, often catching catfish and bream. Pied kingfishers and black-winged kites were observed hovering while hunting. Woodland, brown-hooded, and grey-headed kingfishers were active. Vultures, including white-backed and lappet-faced species, were seen soaring and feeding. Wattled cranes were recorded in pairs, and all local hornbill species were seen, including the southern ground hornbill.
Numerous LBJs such as fawn-coloured, flappet, tawny-flanked, and rufous-naped larks were identified. Waterbirds such as white-faced whistling ducks, Egyptian geese, striated and grey herons, and both great and little egrets were common near seasonal pans.
The landscape remained lush and green following consistent rainfall. Tall grasses blanketed the floodplains and woodlands. Numerous flowering plants were in bloom, including large and small devil’s thorn (purple and yellow), and the vivid flame lily. Tree species such as terminalia, bushwillow, and leadwood displayed fresh pods and foliage.
Despite some overcast days, there were many clear nights. These allowed for stargazing, with visible constellations including Orion, Canis Minor, Canis Major, Scorpius, Southern Cross, Sagittarius, and Centaurus. Sunrises painted the horizon in deep orange and red tones, making for memorable early starts to each day in the bush.
