November at Lebala marked a clear shift into the early wet season, and with it came steady predator movement and a noticeable change in how animals used the landscape. Lion activity remained strong throughout the month, with four established prides moving comfortably through their territories. Early in the month, two new black-maned males were recorded in the area. One of these males was seen mating with a female from the Bonga Pride, although both males were only encountered briefly before moving on, suggesting they were passing through rather than settling.
For most of the month, the resident prides were active and regularly encountered while hunting. Several stalking attempts were observed, with lions spreading out, testing wind direction, and adjusting their positions as they moved through open ground and into cover. Although many of these hunts were unsuccessful, the behaviour provided excellent viewing of coordinated hunting strategies. Feeding sightings were nevertheless recorded, with lions found on zebra, wildebeest, and eland kills at different points during the month.
When adult males were present with the prides, cub activity increased noticeably. Cubs were often seen playing around the males, at times pushing their luck until the males responded with warning growls. On a few occasions, males were observed remaining behind with the cubs while the females moved off to hunt. One successful afternoon hunt stood out when a female warthog lost all four piglets. The cubs were seen running about with the piglets in their mouths, a clear example of early feeding behaviour and social interaction within the pride.
Leopard sightings required patience and careful tracking. The resident male leopard was recorded only twice during the month, both times moving in from drier woodland areas to drink at the river before heading back into thicker cover. His reduced presence suggested a temporary shift in range rather than absence.
The resident female leopard and her cub were seen more consistently, although locating them often took time. The female remained shy and kept to dense cover, while the cub was more relaxed and visible. On one morning, giraffe behaviour proved useful; several individuals were seen staring intently in one direction, prompting closer inspection. This led to the discovery of the female and her cub resting together. The cub remained visible for a short period before both moved off into thicker vegetation.
Hyena activity centred around an active spotted hyena clan that continued to use multiple burrows within the same general area. Because of this movement, cub numbers appeared to vary between sightings, with between two and six cubs seen at different times. The clan consisted of more than eight adults. Adult hyenas were occasionally encountered during morning and midday drives, often resting near waterholes, and their tracks were widespread across the concession.
Following the first substantial rains, the movement of general game changed noticeably. Zebra began moving out of the mopane woodland into open areas and gradually towards the riverine systems. This resulted in strong mixed-species concentrations around waterholes, with zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, and warthog frequently seen together. After several clear and warm days, elephant numbers increased along the river, with large herds arriving to drink and feed. Eland were also recorded moving into more open areas, along with occasional sightings of roan antelope.
Smaller mammals added further interest, particularly during night drives. Civets were recorded on several occasions, although sightings were brief as they quickly moved into cover. Bushbabies became noticeably more active after the first rains and were seen frequently and at close range, often on the ground. Genets were recorded on both morning and night drives. A notable highlight was a pangolin sighting during a night drive, where the animal was observed for an extended period in an open area along the marsh in the southern part of the camp.
Reptile activity increased with warmer temperatures and rising insect numbers. Large Nile crocodiles were seen regularly along the river channel, most often basking in the sun but occasionally moving through the water. Water monitor lizards were frequently recorded along riverbanks and around waterholes, while a rock monitor was seen resting in a tree. Insect activity rose sharply, with dung beetles particularly widespread following the rains.
Birdlife reflected the seasonal change. Two secretary birds were seen almost daily and were confirmed to be nesting. Summer visitors arrived in good numbers, including broad-billed rollers and woodland kingfishers. Ground hornbills were recorded frequently, and ostriches were seen moving through the area with numerous chicks.
The landscape transformed rapidly over the course of the month. Grasses flushed green, flowering plants emerged across the plains, and waterholes filled. Hippos began using newly accessible areas, and the concession felt productive and alive, clearly responding to the arrival of rain. Cloud cover was common, particularly at night, limiting stargazing opportunities. River levels rose slightly following heavier rainfall, and no fires or flooding incidents were recorded.
Walking activities during the month focused on plants, tracks, and insect life, all of which were particularly active after the rains. The diversity of flowers, shrubs, and invertebrates added strong educational value to these outings and rounded out a month that showed Lebala transitioning fully into the green season.
