The month opened with one of the most extraordinary predator interactions recorded in the area in recent times. During a morning drive, guides encountered a honey badger engaged in a prolonged confrontation with a resident female leopard. The interaction lasted close to half an hour, with the honey badger repeatedly standing its ground despite the leopard’s attempts to disengage and reposition.
Eventually, the leopard succeeded in killing the badger and fed briefly before moving off. Later that same afternoon, the area was checked again and the leopard was found dead nearby, likely having succumbed to injuries sustained during the encounter. The incident offered a rare and sobering insight into the risks faced even by dominant predators, and remained the defining sighting of the month.
Lions were present on most days, with a pride of around twelve individuals seen regularly along the eastern sections of the concession and into adjacent Moremi Game Reserve. The group included cubs, providing frequent opportunities to observe social behaviour, play, and interactions within the pride. At times, additional lion movements were noted, with unfamiliar individuals moving through the concession, suggesting shifting dynamics and possible territorial pressure in the broader area.
Leopard activity was consistent throughout the month, with multiple sightings recorded across a range of habitats. Leopards were found both on the ground and in trees, often revealed through careful tracking and patient observation. On one morning drive, a leopard was followed as it stalked wildebeest, narrowly missing a kill before melting back into cover. These encounters highlighted the importance of reading subtle signs and animal behaviour rather than relying solely on chance.
Cheetahs were also encountered during the month, including a female with a cub located during a morning drive. They were found resting on the crest of a termite mound, scanning the surrounding plains before moving off. Their movements appeared cautious, likely influenced by the presence of other predators in the area. As seasonal conditions shifted and water availability changed, cheetah activity was noted to be gradually adjusting towards areas offering more open visibility and reliable prey movement.
Hyenas were widespread and active, seen on most drives and frequently encountered during both daylight and night outings. With impala numbers high and many females giving birth, hyenas were often observed hunting or taking advantage of vulnerable young. Their role as both hunters and opportunistic feeders was evident, and their presence added constant movement and energy to the landscape.
Impala, zebra, wildebeest, red lechwe, elephants, buffalo, hippo, and other plains game were recorded daily, often visible from camp itself. The area around the main building provided regular wildlife viewing without needing to venture far, with elephants and buffalo frequently moving through nearby channels and floodplains.
Night drives continued to deliver rewarding sightings of smaller mammals. Genets, porcupines, scrub hares, bushbabies, and civets were all recorded, with trackers playing a key role in locating and identifying these species under spotlight conditions.
As water levels stabilised following inflows from the Angolan highlands, reptiles became increasingly visible along the riverbanks. Nile crocodiles and monitor lizards were regularly seen basking in the sun, benefitting from improved aquatic conditions after the previous year’s drought.
Birdlife remained rich and varied, with frequent sightings of African fish eagles, kingfishers, marabou storks, brown snake eagles, cattle egrets, pelicans, and common bee-eaters. The combination of water, open floodplains, and seasonal changes supported strong avian activity throughout the month.
Weather conditions were typical of the rainy season, with a mix of warm days, cloud cover, and intermittent rain. Sunrise and sunset continued to provide striking light and colour, often framing wildlife movements and bringing daily drives to a memorable close.
