Lion sightings remained strong throughout August. Early in the month, five lionesses and three cubs were observed drinking at the camp’s waterhole. Later that week, a mating pair—a lioness and a male—were seen in the same area, indicating possible new additions to the pride in the future.
Throughout the month, lions were sighted almost weekly, mostly near the wildlife waterhole. Toward the end of the month, five lionesses, three cubs, and two adult males were seen around the same water source, maintaining a presence in the area. One morning, the group was found feeding on a buffalo kill not far from South Gate, providing a dramatic moment for guests and guides alike. It was clear from track assessments and territorial behaviour that multiple lions are utilising the area around camp as part of their broader range.
Midway through the month, an African wild dog was sighted on the pan, and later that evening, the same animal was observed moving near the camp area. The dog appeared to be travelling rather than hunting.
Hyenas Keeping to the Shadows
A single brown hyena was seen during a morning drive at the wildlife waterhole. It appeared to be attempting to drink but quickly moved off when the vehicle approached. Spotted hyenas were not directly seen, but their presence was confirmed through vocalisations at night and the discovery of several fresh spoor around the pan.
General game activity was excellent. Elephants—both breeding herds and bachelor groups—were regularly seen at the various waterholes, making the most of available resources. Herds of zebra remained prominent, particularly on the open pan, often accompanied by wildebeest and giraffe.
Springbok continued to dominate the pan areas in large numbers, frequently mixing with impalas. A small group of eland (four individuals) was seen occasionally, which is notable given their usually elusive behaviour in this region. Buffalo were recorded intermittently, mostly drinking at water sources during early mornings and late afternoons.
Smaller nocturnal species such as black-backed jackals and side-striped jackals were seen regularly. Occasional sightings of bat-eared foxes and scrub hares occurred during early morning or evening drives.
Reptile activity remained moderate. Crocodiles were seen along the waterholes—usually basking in the sun or partially submerged in shallows. Insects were numerous in warmer daylight hours, including butterflies, beetles, and grasshoppers. Notably, several African monarch butterflies were recorded near flowering shrubs in the pan edge zones. Frog activity was minimal this month due to cooler temperatures and reduced surface water.
Birdlife in Transition
With the progression of the season, bird activity remained strong. Large numbers of doves, queleas, and sandgrouse were frequently seen visiting the waterhole during early mornings. Raptors such as tawny eagles, Bateleurs, and martial eagles were observed regularly, often soaring above the open plains or perched in acacia trees.
Wattled cranes and kori bustards were spotted on the pan, along with groups of white storks and black-winged stilts. The call of the grey go-away bird was heard often near camp. The appearance of southern carmine bee-eaters late in the month signalled the gradual change towards spring.
The drying Landscape
The vegetation around Nxai Pan was noticeably dry by mid-August. Acacia species and other browse trees held onto their leaves, but the grass layer had turned pale and brittle across much of the pan. Only around waterholes and seasonal seep lines was green growth still present.
The contrast between golden grasses and scattered green shrubs provided excellent photographic backdrops.
Skies, stars, and sunsets
Clear skies throughout most of the month offered excellent opportunities for stargazing. Southern Hemisphere constellations such as the Southern Cross, Scorpius, and Centaurus were visible in early evening hours. As the night progressed, the Milky Way stretched brightly across the sky, undisturbed by artificial light.
Sunset conditions remained ideal, with extended golden light over the open pans and soft silhouettes of baobabs and elephants as dusk settled in.
