Lion sightings were excellent throughout the month, largely due to the presence of large prey species associated with the green season and the zebra migration. Giraffes and wildebeest were frequently observed across the park, which attracted lions to the area. At the beginning of the month, a resident pride consisting of five lionesses and two cubs was found along the West Road, feeding on a giraffe carcass that was presumed to have been hunted by the group. Several days later, the same pride was seen resting beside the road in the same area.
Two resident lionesses, accompanied by two cubs, were found feeding on the carcass of an adult giraffe near the small baobab tree. The kill provided sustenance for several days. These females displayed strong cooperative hunting abilities. Additionally, two dominant males that had been associating with the pride since the previous year were seen on multiple occasions. Later in the month, a separate pair—a lioness and a subadult male estimated to be around two and a half years old—was observed near Baines Baobabs.
A pack of four wild dogs—two males and two females—was observed along the Baobab Loop mid-month. They were moving eastward from the pan and appeared to be actively hunting, indicated by their empty bellies. This was likely the same pack seen in the area during the previous month.
General sightings of wildlife were excellent, particularly around the pan. The numbers of springbok remained high, and many lambs were observed. Impalas were commonly spotted around natural waterholes, which they rely on for water. Large mixed herds of plains zebra and blue wildebeest continued to dominate the landscape, grazing together and benefiting from one another. Zebras grazed down the grass, which made it easier for wildebeest to feed, while wildebeest relied on the zebras’ keen alertness. Gemsbok were seen in small groups, particularly near the main pan and the salt flats at Baines Baobabs.
Giraffes were consistently observed in groups—known as a “tower” when stationary and a “journey” when moving. They mainly fed on acacia and terminalia species. Buffalo herds were seen approaching the waterhole in front of camp during early mornings and late afternoons, spending the day grazing on the lush green grass nearby.
The landscape was lush and visually striking, characteristic of the green season. Grasses were long, especially in areas affected by veld fires prior to the rains. The salt pans at Baines Baobab held standing water, creating a reflective surface and supporting abundant birdlife. Wildflowers and green foliage blanketed much of the park, enhancing the scenery.
Black-backed jackals were frequently seen, both as solitary individuals and in family groups. Bat-eared foxes were observed in pairs or small groups around their dens. Steenboks appeared regularly, both alone and in pairs. Scrub hares were also encountered. Leopard tortoises were recorded throughout the month. Honey badgers were seen twice in the early morning, foraging near the Baobab Loop.
A black mamba was seen crossing the road near the Xomae campsite. Butterflies and other small insects were drawn to the abundant wildflowers. African bullfrogs were frequently heard calling in the late afternoon. Dung beetles remained active, displaying their typical rolling behaviour.
Birding throughout the month was exceptional, with a rich variety of species recorded across diverse habitats. Large terrestrial birds such as common ostrich, kori bustard, and secretary birds were frequently encountered striding across open grasslands, while marabou storks, African openbills, and Abdim’s storks were often seen foraging near water sources. Birds of prey were well represented, including regular sightings of lappet-faced and white-backed vultures, tawny eagles, bateleurs, African harrier-hawks, and black-chested snake eagles. Smaller raptors such as pale chanting and gabar goshawks, as well as lanner and peregrine falcons, were observed patrolling the skies.
Waterbirds and waders remained active, with black herons performing their distinctive canopy-feeding behaviour, and cattle egrets, glossy ibises, African jacanas, and various sandgrouse species recorded near pans and flooded areas. Other notable sightings included vibrant lilac-breasted and European rollers, several species of bee-eaters—European, little, and swallow-tailed—along with an array of hornbills, lapwings, coursers, larks, chats, starlings, sparrow-weavers, shrikes, whydahs, mousebirds, and pipits.
