The Lagoon pride of three adult females and four sub adult cubs were located along the airstrip. We spent some time following them, as they moved through the area towards the western side of the concession. Later in the month they reappeared, and killed a buffalo.
We also saw two male lions by Second Lagoon, sleeping under a blue bush with full tummies, lying on their backs with their legs sticking up in the air. Not much movement from them, but the rise and fall of their stomachs proved they were alive, if not active! With the two males being established residents, we are able to see them regularly – even if they appear slightly sloth-like at times!
A female leopard was found not far from camp, also on the way to the airstrip. She was hunting actively, searching for any opportunity she could catch something. A different female was located by first lagoon, stalking some impala. She was not successful on the hunt either, and after a few quick chases, she gave up and moved off. A lactating female was also found with her two cubs, on an impala kill.
Also a male leopard was seen briefly at Half Way Pan, only for a couple of minutes before he shyly moved off into the bush.
The general game – elephants, buffalo, kudu, zebra and so on, have started to come in big herds towards the permanent water, as the small waterholes deeper in the bush dry up. The herds of elephants are definitely building in number, and although it’s still cold, they are coming more regularly to the river to drink and bathe. Large herds of buffalo seen in the north and south of the concession too.
Although the big pack of wild dogs has denned down in the Lebala area, a small pack of seven dogs sprinted quickly through the camp in the middle of the month heading north. They were also seen at Kwena lagoon, before heading into the mopane.
Lots of wonderful eagles seen this month: Martial, tawny, Bateleur and both types of snake eagles, as well as plenty of vultures.
Night drives have been a little quiet, but have featured several porcupines, a civet hiding in the tall grass, several african wild cats, and lots of genets
