Lions were seen regularly throughout the concession, with multiple prides moving through the area. Members of the HolI Pride were encountered several times while hunting large prey, including buffalo and giraffe. Early in the month they were found feeding on a subadult giraffe along Marapo a Thutlwa. On another occasion, the same pride was located feeding on an old male Cape buffalo on the eastern side of camp. The following day, the two resident male lions arrived, displaced the pride and took possession of the carcass. The HolI Pride was also found feeding on a dead elephant at Muddy Waters, where they remained for approximately two days.
The Mmatsebe Pride, consisting of three lions, was located frequently around Muddy Waters. They were recorded killing red lechwe, impala and wildebeest, and on some occasions were joined by one of the larger males. Two lionesses from the Mmamosetlha Pride were seen moving around the first and second lagoons. Elsewhere, two lionesses with five cubs were observed at Seven Palms, all in good condition and well fed.
Leopard sightings were consistent and reliable. The resident female and her two subadult males were most often located between Badisa Island and the second lagoon. They were frequently found on impala kills, sometimes feeding together and at other times with the subadult males alone. Tracking these leopards proved productive, and they were followed successfully on several occasions. Another female leopard was seen along Makudi Road, moving through the area in search of prey and occasionally resting in trees.
African wild dogs were present mainly in the northern part of the concession, around the first and second lagoons. They were seen actively chasing impala, with hunts varying between successful and unsuccessful attempts. When successful, they were observed feeding on impala and, on occasion, greater kudu.
Cheetah sightings involved two resident male cheetahs that remained largely in the northern sections of the area. Their regular marking posts were well known, and tracks were often picked up at these points and followed. Tracking efforts were successful, leading to sightings of the cheetahs either resting in shade or actively hunting. They were recorded hunting impala and red lechwe in the more open areas.
Spotted hyenas were seen almost daily, supported by the presence of three active dens located at Marapo a Thutlwa, Maporota and along Hyena Den Road. Cubs of varying ages were present at all three sites. Hyenas were also observed feeding on the elephant carcass in front of camp and were encountered frequently during night drives as they moved in search of food. A brown hyena was recorded during a night drive on the northern side of the second lagoon.
Smaller mammals were often seen during night drives. Both black-backed and side-striped jackals were seen regularly, along with steenbok, white-tailed mongoose, slender mongoose, yellow mongoose, scrub hares, springhares and porcupines. Two small-spotted genets were located along the airstrip road, resting in a tree.
Birding was productive throughout the month. White-backed, hooded and lappet-faced vultures were seen feeding on the remains of an elephant that had died of old age on the western side of camp, as well as on buffalo remains from Holi Pride kills. These scavengers often assisted in locating predators, with guides responding to perched vultures and finding leopards or cheetahs feeding below. Tawny eagles and bateleurs were also observed at carcasses. Along the river, African fish eagles were frequently seen soaring and hunting fish. Southern carmine bee-eaters continued nesting along the riverbanks. Other species recorded included ostrich, wattled crane, African jacana, goliath heron, grey heron, hamerkop and red-crested korhaan.
Reptiles and insects were encountered regularly. Crocodiles were seen almost daily along the river, ranging from juveniles to large adults. More than twenty crocodiles were observed feeding on a dead hippo near the fallen baobab. A large crocodile known locally as Howard was frequently seen on the north-western stretch of river, easily recognised by his shortened tail. Tree monitor and water monitor lizards were active along the banks. House geckos and striped skinks were found on building walls feeding on insects, and a spotted bush snake was observed near camp, including one instance where it was seen feeding on a house gecko.
The landscape showed clear signs of seasonal transition. Fresh grass appeared across the floodplains, and deciduous trees such as silver terminalia and mopane began producing new leaves after several months bare. Some species were already flowering, attracting bees and other insects.
Astronomy featured strongly early in the month, with clear skies allowing excellent views of the Southern Cross, Orion, Taurus, Libra, Canis Major and Canis Minor. In the early morning hours, Scorpius and Sagittarius were visible. Planets including Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn were also observed. Towards the end of the month, increased cloud cover limited visibility, although the first light rainfall was recorded, marking a welcome change in conditions.
