Early in the month, a pair of mating leopards was found near the airstrip close to Gunn’s Camp. Tracks along the game drive routes helped the team locate them multiple times, and they stayed in the area for several days.
Leopard activity remained strong throughout the month. One sighting involved a leopard feeding on an impala, which was seen after responding to bird alarm calls in the woodland. A solitary male leopard was followed through open grassland until it moved into thickets. This individual was observed on several consecutive days, and leopard vocalisations were heard around camp on multiple evenings. A leap of leopards consisting of three males and one female has also been very active in the area.
Lion sightings were consistent throughout the month, with multiple prides moving through the concession. During a guided walk, a lioness and two cubs were observed attempting to hunt wildebeest, though the prey escaped. The same pride was seen again shortly after attempting a warthog hunt.
One particularly notable moment occurred during a sighting involving three predator species in the same area. A pack of African wild dogs brought down an antelope, only to be displaced from their kill by hyenas and a lioness with cubs. Toward the end of the month, two male lions were found resting near a termite mound after fresh tracks were picked up by the tracker and followed for approximately 30 minutes. Lion vocalisations were frequently heard near camp during the night.
Spotted hyena activity was widespread across the concession. At least twenty individuals were identified in the area. On one occasion, a hyena was seen feeding on a buffalo carcass. It was also common to observe hyenas around camp in the evenings, especially as guests returned from afternoon drives, enhancing the sense of being immersed in the wild.
Leaping Lechwe and water water everywhere
Guests regularly observed herds of buffalo, breeding groups of elephants, zebra, giraffe, blue wildebeest, impala, and red lechwe. The lechwe were often seen leaping across the flooded channels, especially at sunset. Hippos and crocodiles were commonly encountered during both mokoro and boat excursions. The open floodplains and woodlands provided an excellent diversity of species across all activities, including game drives, guided walks, and water-based outings.
Evening activities yielded good sightings of smaller species. Regular observations included steenbok, springhares, black-backed jackals, civets, African wild cats, genets, and honey badgers. These species were most active after dark and provided excellent opportunities for nocturnal wildlife viewing.
This season’s flood levels were significantly better than last year. The increased water volume has enabled longer mokoro routes, boat cruises, and even the addition of fishing activities. Guests responded positively to fishing, which was mostly been part of boating excursions. Catfish were the most frequently caught species.
Birdlife in the area was plentiful, especially in and around the flooded plains. Frequent sightings included marabou storks, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, wattled cranes, and various species of doves. The favourable water conditions and the abundance of fish and amphibians have drawn these birds.
Winter conditions continued throughout the month, with cool mornings and evenings and warmer temperatures during the day. As the month went on, daytime temperatures slightly increased, signalling the approach of spring. Guests enjoyed clear skies, especially during sundowner stops, with vivid sunsets often featuring birds flying across the open floodplains. Evenings were cold but atmospheric, with many guests relishing the nocturnal sounds of the bush around the campfire.
