While observing hippos at a waterhole, alarm calls from several bird species drew attention to movement in the thickets. After holding position, a male leopard emerged and moved towards the water. As he approached, a hippo reacted and pushed him back, forcing him to retreat into the woodland.
He remained in the area, moving between marking posts, scent marking and calling. He was observed climbing briefly before descending again and continuing his patrol.
This month a lot of activity centred around the woodland edges and permanent waterholes, where large herds of zebra and eland concentrated.
A pride of six lions was regularly located in these areas, moving through thickets and along waterholes as they followed the herds. Several hunting attempts were observed, particularly on zebra, with mixed success. On one morning, after working through fresh tracks, the pride was relocated during an active hunt, moving in wide, deliberate loops through the woodland.
Our tracking led to two males finishing a wildebeest carcass. The females had made the kill earlier, and once the males arrived they displaced them and took over feeding. The surrounding area showed clear signs of overnight activity, with hyena tracks and resting points nearby, indicating the kill had drawn in other predators during the night.
African wild dogs were encountered on several occasions, often located while actively hunting. One afternoon drive produced a successful hunt, with the pack bringing down an impala. Other attempts were seen but not completed, with the dogs working through thicker areas where visibility was limited.
Hyenas were a constant presence around camp, with both adults and younger individuals seen regularly. Their activity suggested a den site nearby, with younger animals beginning to move independently.
Cheetahs added another layer of movement across the concession. A coalition was observed travelling between northern and southern areas, using open ground between woodland patches. On one morning, a single individual was found resting on a termite mound, appearing unsettled. Later in the day, both animals were located together in the same area, with lions present nearby, likely explaining the earlier behaviour.
Eland herds and open ground
General game viewing remained strong, with particularly notable sightings of large eland herds. One herd was estimated at between one hundred and one hundred and fifty individuals, including calves, often seen mixed with zebra and other plains game near open areas around waterholes.
Kudu remained present in good numbers, while elephants were seen moving steadily towards the river, feeding as they travelled.
Night drives produced sightings of springhare, African civet and African wild cat, although these encounters were often brief due to thicker cover. Bat-eared foxes were seen both in pairs and as a larger family group, while both black-backed and side-striped jackals were active across the area.
Reptile activity included water monitor lizards around waterholes and crocodiles along the river. On one occasion, crocodile tracks were followed moving from deep woodland towards the river over a considerable distance.
Bird activity remained consistent, particularly around woodland and waterhole areas. Secretarybirds were regularly seen moving through the bush, while a group of seven southern ground hornbills remained in the same area near camp over several days.
Bee-eaters, including little, white-fronted and carmine species, were present in good numbers, alongside a variety of raptors hunting across the open areas.
Evenings were spent around the firepit, with the sounds of the bush carrying through camp. On clearer nights, stargazing was possible, although conditions varied through the month.
Nature walks highlighted smaller details often missed on drives, including flowering plants and fresh herbs, adding another layer to the overall experience.
