July brought diverse predator activity and strong general game viewing across the Lagoon area, with shifting lion dynamics, active wild dog denning, and excellent sightings of leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
The Holi pride, which splintered into smaller groups, was seen regularly around Muddy Waters and Halfway Pan. This pride included five cubs of around seven months old, often accompanied by the Golden Boys —a coalition of three males displaced from Lebala. They in turn ousted the Ralebante coalition, which had itself previously held territory. The Pale pride, once under the Ralebante males, was later taken over by a new pair of larger, darker, more assertive males. These newcomers were frequently observed mating with LT, a female known to be sterile, though they also spent time with other members of the Pale pride.
Other lions included two nomadic blonde-maned males in their prime, along with a younger male seen frequently near camp. Two females were located apart from the main pride, while a splinter group of seven members remained active within the concession. Another group of nine lions was noted crossing the main channel into Namibia.
A well-known female leopard and her twin subadult sons featured prominently throughout the month, providing reliable and frequent sightings. This family was observed on multiple kills, with at least five confirmed impala hunts in areas such as Second Lagoon, Pangolin Island, and Water Affairs Island. The leopards fed for days at a time, showcasing their hunting efficiency.
The famous two cheetah brothers were consistently present, often located around Maheke and Second Lagoon, though they also ventured south towards the non-hunting zone. They successfully brought down prey at Halfway Pan and remained highly visible and cooperative for guests, resulting in excellent sightings throughout July.
Dens and Pups
The African wild dog pack began denning towards the end of June, and by July the den was active, though the pack was not always present. The alpha female remained at the den site with a limping adult acting as a helper. Hunts were successful in the western floodplains, and returning dogs frequently regurgitated food for the female and the babysitter. By late July, six puppies emerged from the den, showing bright white markings—quite distinct from the predominantly ginger tones of the Mvumbi lineage. These pups brought lively activity to the den area and were a highlight of the month.
Hyena sightings increased steadily as the month progressed. Early in July activity was quieter, but by the end of the month calls echoed across the area at night. Patrols were observed regularly, with more than ten individuals seen with blood-stained faces and swollen bellies after feeding. Two den sites were active for spotted hyenas, with cubs ranging from three to four months old. A brown hyena den was also located near Second Lagoon after wildfires exposed the site. The animals there were very shy, but signs of cubs were confirmed.
Elephants were plentiful, though cooler weather kept them in the woodland during early mornings, emerging later in the day to drink at the lagoon in front of camp. Breeding herds included young calves, while bulls were frequently noted at Muddy Waters and Phuwas. Some bulls in musth were encountered, and one young bull died of natural causes near the airstrip. The carcass attracted lions, hyenas, and later vultures, with jackals also attempting to feed.
Buffalo Bulls, Browsers, and Night-Time Hunters
Buffalo activity was limited to bachelor herds, observed at Firewood Pan, Kwena Lagoon, Muddy Waters, Zebra Pan, Bothapisa Tlou, and Tsessebe Pan.
General game viewing was plentiful – Plains species such as zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and tsessebe were seen in good numbers, often moving from the floodplains into mixed woodland in the late afternoons. Woodland species such as sable antelope (groups of up to 23 with calves), roan antelope, and smaller herds of eland were also recorded. One sable herd was pursued by wild dogs during the month. Aquatic species like lechwe and reedbuck remained common along the riverine zones.
A variety of smaller carnivores and nocturnal species were recorded. Bat-eared foxes, often in pairs, were seen around First and Second Lagoon. Both black-backed and side-striped jackals were regular sightings. Aardwolves were observed in several locations, with one around First Lagoon showing particular site fidelity. On a night drive, a caracal was observed hunting springhares and scrub hares along the Upper Kwando Road, while a serval was located at Second Lagoon, hunting rodents. Porcupines, genets, civets, and several mongoose species—including banded, dwarf, slender, yellow, and white-tailed—were encountered during evening drives.
Crocodiles were seen basking along the riverbanks and lagoons, while snakes such as striped-bellied sand snakes, puff adders, pythons, and mambas were occasionally sighted. Monitor lizards, both water and tree species, were recorded along the floodplains. Insect activity was low due to cold conditions, though moths and crickets were noted in the evenings.
Birdlife was diverse
A solitary immature flamingo was an unusual sighting at First Lagoon, remaining for two days. Southern ground hornbills were recorded in several territories, including family groups with immatures being fed. Aquatic birds such as wattled cranes and saddle-billed storks were seen frequently. Raptors included fish eagles, martial eagles, tawny eagles, bateleurs, black-shouldered kites, and goshawks. Vultures of several species—lappet-faced, white-headed, white-backed, and hooded—were present, while
Clear skies provided exceptional star-gazing, with constellations such as Orion’s Belt, the Southern Cross, Sagittarius, and Leo clearly visible, alongside bright views of Jupiter, Mars, Venus, and Saturn.
