March opened with strong movement from African wild dogs across the Lagoon system, with one of the resident packs splitting during the month. Three males broke away and began operating further east around James Road and Muddy Waters, while the remainder of the pack continued to range between the airstrip and Kwena Lagoon.
These shifting dynamics produced some of the most active sightings of the month. On several occasions, the pack was located mid-hunt, working through open areas and along the edges of the channels. Their efforts were frequently rewarded, with repeated successful kills of impala.
A second pack of 12 moving in from the Lebala side added further pressure, at times pushing the resident dogs further north. One particularly strong sighting involved the pack crossing from the islands before later bringing down a red lechwe, with the chase unfolding across shallow water and open ground.
March delivered consistent lion activity across the Lagoon area, with multiple prides holding and shifting ground between Grass Pan, Zebra Pan and the northern sections of the concession.
The Mma Mosetlha pride remained active, frequently located feeding on wildebeest carcasses. One of the lionesses was seen with two cubs estimated at around six weeks old, with the resident males Skomota and Commando often found nearby. These males were also observed mating with an older lioness, reinforcing their position within the pride.
The Holi Pride was encountered regularly between Grass Pan and Zebra Pan. On several occasions, guides worked fresh tracks and located them already settled on kills. The pride showed signs of splitting, with six subadults operating independently and actively hunting zebra and wildebeest. Towards the end of the month, approximately 12 members of the pride, including three lionesses, seven cubs and two males, were found at Grass Pan before being followed the next day to a zebra carcass where they fed before moving into thicker cover.
A lone lioness was also observed along Maheke Road, stalking wildebeest, although the attempt was unsuccessful.
Leopard activity remained strong throughout the month. A subadult female was regularly seen between Tsessebe Pan and Firewood Pan, alternating between resting in trees and moving through hunting areas. Another female was observed along Diolo Road attempting to stalk impala. The resident male was located near Water Cut and later along James Road, while a more elusive male was seen on a mound along Nxara Road.
Spotted hyenas were less frequently seen but were often heard at night and observed moving through the area during early morning drives. Their movements frequently aligned with wild dogs, trailing at a distance in anticipation of feeding opportunities. Two aardwolves were also seen foraging between First and Second Lagoon.
Hunting cheetahs and general game holding strong
Cheetah activity remained consistent, with the two resident males, Boy Boy and Boiki, regularly encountered between Mosheshe and Kwena Lagoon. They were observed hunting frequently, with successful kills occurring every few days, primarily targeting impala and wildebeest calves.
Towards the latter part of the month, they shifted south towards Nxara Road, likely adjusting to increased lion presence, but continued to hunt successfully. A female cheetah with subadult cubs was also seen during the month.
General game remained well distributed, with strong numbers of wildebeest, zebra, impala, red lechwe, waterbuck, reedbuck and giraffe across the concession. Eland sightings were particularly notable along Maheke Road and around Zebra Pan, often moving alongside zebra herds. Elephant activity varied, with small groups and solitary bulls moving between woodland and water sources.
Smaller detail, birdlife and time around camp
Smaller mammals added variety to sightings, with steenbok seen regularly, while springhare and scrub hare were active during night drives. A standout sighting was that of a pangolin moving along Nxara Road.
Reptile sightings included both water and rock monitor lizards, with individuals seen feeding near water and resting in trees. Harmless Spotted bush snakes were commonly encountered around camp, along with occasional sightings of flap-necked chameleons.
Birding remained particularly rewarding, with strong activity across both open areas and water systems. Larks and cisticolas were common, while Temminck’s courser and crowned lapwing were regularly seen. Raptors such as tawny eagle and bateleur were observed feeding on carcasses, while vultures were frequently seen both in trees and on kills. Aquatic species including wattled crane, African jacana, Egyptian goose and fish eagle were also present, along with migratory species such as southern carmine bee-eater and blue-cheeked bee-eater.
Evenings were spent around the firepit, with lion vocalisations and hyena calls carrying through camp. On clearer nights, constellations such as Orion, Taurus and the Southern Cross were visible, along with planets including Mars, Venus and Jupiter.
The landscape remained in excellent condition, with green vegetation, flowering plants and healthy browse supporting strong wildlife movement. Nature walks provided additional insight into plant use, insect activity and smaller species often missed on drives, offering a more detailed understanding of the environment.
