January at Lagoon unfolded against the backdrop of the green season, with fresh grass, scattered pans holding rainwater and large numbers of zebra moving through the area. These herds shaped much of the predator activity, and the guides spent many hours working fresh tracks along the pan systems and woodland roads to stay with the movement of the prides.
Two lion groups dominated sightings during the month. The Holi pride, made up of three lionesses, eight cubs and three adult males, was tracked repeatedly across the southern areas of the concession. Their movements centred largely around the pan systems where large numbers of zebra were grazing. Fresh spoor was picked up one morning at Zebra Pan and followed until the pride was located feeding on a zebra kill. With prey abundant in the area, the pride’s movements were relatively localised and they were encountered several times resting or moving short distances between hunts. A smaller splinter group from the same pride, consisting of three females with eight subadults, was located in the Cheetah Valley area after vultures gathering in nearby trees drew attention to a carcass. Following the birds and confirming tracks in the sand led guides directly to a zebra kill where the lions were feeding.
Further north, the Mma Mosetha pride provided equally consistent sightings. This pride consisted of two lionesses and two large adult males with dark manes. Their tracks were regularly found during morning drives and followed through the northern sector of the reserve. Two zebra kills were observed during the month, including one foal. Midway through the month the guides located a new den site belonging to one of the females. The cubs were still very young and remained hidden, but the behaviour of the lioness and repeated returns to the same area confirmed the den’s location.
Leopard activity remained steady across the concession, with at least four individuals encountered during the month. Two young males, likely brothers and now moving independently, were frequently seen around the airstrip area. One afternoon produced a dramatic interaction when these two leopards arrived at a wildebeest calf carcass that had been killed by two male cheetahs. The cats faced off for some time before one of the leopards managed to claim the carcass. The mother of the two young males was also seen moving through the same area on several occasions. During one encounter she briefly confronted the cheetahs before retreating. Another female leopard was located closer to camp along Tango 4 Road after her tracks were followed through the woodland, eventually revealing her feeding on an impala. In another incident a male leopard was seen attempting to defend a zebra foal carcass from a spotted hyena near one of the pans. The leopard tried to drag the carcass into shallow water, but the hyena eventually managed to take possession of it.
Wild dogs remained active around the camp and airstrip areas. The resident pack, now numbering eight after the recent loss of a pup, was encountered several times as guides worked their tracks through the sandy roads. On one occasion the dogs made an impala kill close to camp. Later in the month a different pack of twelve moved through the concession, first located along Pan Road and then again the following day near Zebra Pan, continuing their regular movements through the area.
Two male cheetahs, well known in the concession as Boiki and Boyboy, were particularly reliable during January. Their movements were concentrated mainly south of the airstrip and across the northern section of the reserve. Several kills were recorded, mostly involving young antelope, and they were seen regularly moving between hunting areas.
Spotted hyenas were encountered frequently both during morning and afternoon drives. One notable sighting involved hyenas feeding on a zebra that had initially escaped from lions but later collapsed from its injuries. The carcass quickly attracted hyenas that fed on it. A brown hyena was also seen near the Mudwaters area during one drive.
General game numbers remained high across the concession. Large dazzles of zebra dominated the plains and pan systems, with many foals present as the breeding season continued. Almost every waterhole held groups of zebra. Giraffe were seen regularly, and elephant were present though generally in smaller groups. A herd of sable antelope was observed several times moving through the woodland. Hippos were abundant along the river, with some locations holding large concentrations. Other antelope such as impala, tsessebe, wildebeest and red lechwe were widely distributed.
Smaller mammals added interest to many drives. Bat-eared foxes were frequently seen both in the mornings and afternoons, likely benefiting from the cooler conditions. An aardwolf was recorded during a night drive, while a particularly memorable sighting involved a caracal that allowed extended observation. African wild cats were also seen on two occasions.
Birdlife was rich throughout the month. With many of the pans filled by rainwater, waterbirds gathered in good numbers. Migratory species were well represented, including broad-billed rollers, carmine bee-eaters, paradise flycatchers, black kites, falcons and buzzards. Vultures were frequently seen around carcasses.
Reptiles were present along the river and pans, with crocodiles regularly observed both in the water and basking on the banks. Some smaller crocodiles were seen using the rain-filled pans further inland. Water monitors were common along wet areas, and a python was seen crossing the road on one drive. Nighttime brought the calls of bullfrogs and other amphibians, filling the air after the rains.
Insect activity was also noticeable, particularly among the dragonflies which were active around the water. Species such as banded groundlings, blue baskers and broad scarlets were observed, along with a variety of butterflies including broad-bordered grass yellows and queen purple tips.
