One of the highlights of the month was the activity of the resident pack of six African wild dogs. On one occasion, the pack was seen digging at an aardvark burrow in search of a suitable denning site. The alpha female appeared to be heavily pregnant, suggesting a den might be imminent.
Later in the month, the pack was tracked south of camp and found resting. The alpha female was not visible, while the alpha male was seen near the burrow entrance, reinforcing the suspicion that she may have been inside.
Lion activity remained consistent throughout the month, with multiple sightings recorded in different areas of the concession. Both the Holi Pride and Mma Mosetlha Pride were observed frequently. A lioness from the Holi Pride, accompanied by four subadults estimated to be between seven and eight months old, was seen along Wild Dog Road and the cutline. The Mma Mosetlha Pride, which includes two young cubs around four and a half months old, was sighted near the airstrip and the first and second lagoons—areas which appeared to serve as their regular drinking spots.
The Holi Pride was concentrated in the southern region of the concession and remained under the dominance of the three-male Golden Boy Coalition from the Lebala area.
The Mma Mosetlha Pride was located feeding on an eland near Maheke, while two large males were found resting nearby along Moshete Road with visibly full bellies. Other sightings included the pride sleeping in shaded areas, though on one occasion they were seen actively feeding on a wildebeest.
Leopard Hunts, Cheetah Feeds, and Hyena Trails
Leopard sightings were steady throughout June, with successful tracking yielding reliable observations every one to two days. A mother leopard with two subadults became the most regularly encountered individual around camp.
Guides tracked this female multiple times and witnessed her making successful kills on three separate occasions—in each case taking down an impala. The kills were made along Impala Road, Badisa Road, and Mosema wa Diphiri Road. On each occasion, she was seen returning to fetch her cubs and lead them to the carcass.
Spotted hyena sightings were limited this month, typically involving individuals or pairs seen during early morning or evening drives. While following the Holi Pride, guides located a potential den site with several resting spots in the vicinity, indicating a strong hyena presence in the area despite low visibility.
The month began with sightings of a coalition of two male cheetahs along Fallen Baobab and John’s Pan. They were observed feeding on a red lechwe kill in the northern region of the concession. For two to three weeks, they moved between the north and south, though lion activity in the southern section appeared to influence their movements. Further sightings were a result of successful tracking. The brothers were observed hunting and feeding, later found resting with full bellies after feeding events.
Elephants by day and stars by night
Notable concentrations of elephants and hippos were recorded near camp, Water Affairs Island, and the first and second lagoons. Other regular sightings included giraffes, buffalo, zebras, sable and roan antelope, as well as eland.
Several smaller mammals were seen during both day and night drives. These included African wild cats, aardwolves, white-tailed mongooses, spring hares, steenbok, civets, black-backed and side-striped jackals, servals, banded mongooses, scrub hares, and bat-eared foxes.
The first and second lagoons, as well as Water Affairs Island, supported large Nile crocodiles. Water monitors were also regularly seen. A python was located near the cheetah marking post, observed moving through the area.
Birding was productive throughout June. Regular sightings included white-fronted and little bee-eaters, tawny eagles, brown snake eagles, martial eagles, bateleurs, secretary birds, ostriches, and various smaller species. Notably, large flocks of queleas were observed, along with pairs of saddle-billed storks and frequent visits by pied kingfishers and African fish eagles.
Water levels remained low across parts of the concession, though some waterholes retained water. Floodwaters are expected to increase in the coming month. Vegetation remained green in some areas, while other parts were more open and dry, supporting a range of visibility for game-viewing.
Night skies were clear for most of the month, providing excellent opportunities for stargazing. Constellations observed included the Southern Cross, Scorpius, Canis Major, the Big Dipper, Orion’s Belt, and visible planets such as Venus.
