One of the most consistent features of February was the regular presence of lions moving between the central pans and surrounding woodland. Early in the month two dominant males were located patrolling along Middle Road, scent marking as they moved and pausing to assess the surrounding area before continuing.
Not long after, fresh tracks led guides to a pride near Baobab Loop Road, where two males, two females and three cubs were found resting close to the road. The cubs were active, with the adults resting close by.
Lion activity continued throughout the month around the Wildlife waterhole and central pan areas. A larger pride consisting of two males, three females and three cubs was located feeding on a wildebeest carcass after guides followed tracks along Middle Road. Later in the month seven lions were again found near the waterhole, with the cubs remaining close to the females while the male rested slightly apart.
On another drive three lionesses with cubs were located moving through the area, actively hunting and using the open pans and surrounding grass cover to approach prey. Later that same day the lionesses were found again near the waterhole drinking and resting.
Cheetah activity returned to the area during the month with a single male located near Hatab campsite not far from camp. The animal appeared cautious and moved off quickly as the vehicle approached, suggesting it had only recently moved into the area..
Life across the pans
General game viewing remained strong throughout the month, with large numbers of zebra and wildebeest moving across the pans and surrounding grasslands. The close association between these species was evident, with herds often seen grazing together.
Giraffe were regularly encountered, while large herds of springbok were widespread across the concession. Many of the herds included young animals, indicating a productive breeding period. Elephants were also seen in good numbers, with several herds moving between waterholes.
Impala were present in smaller numbers across the area, adding to the diversity of antelope species.
Smaller mammals added variety to drives, particularly during the cooler hours. Bat-eared foxes were frequently seen foraging across the plains, while black-backed jackals were commonly encountered moving through the grasslands.
Other species included scrub hare, slender mongoose and yellow mongoose. Several of these species were seen with young, reflecting the productive conditions across the ecosystem.
Reptile sightings included leopard tortoises crossing the roads as well as monitor lizards and snakes encountered during drives.
Birdlife remained diverse with a good mix of resident species and summer visitors. Species encountered included European bee-eaters, carmine bee-eaters, blue-cheeked bee-eaters and yellow-billed kites.
Other birds seen regularly included woolly-necked storks, Egyptian geese, cattle egrets and various vulture species, with many birds making use of the open pans and seasonal waterholes.
The landscape across Nxai Pan remained open and expansive, characterised by the salt pans, open grasslands and surrounding woodland. Mopane woodland dominated the north-western areas, while the route towards Baines’ Baobabs revealed low dunes covered with shrubs.
These contrasting habitats supported both grazers and browsers, contributing to the strong general game viewing experienced throughout the month.
Game drives continued to produce rewarding sightings, including predator activity around the pans and interactions such as jackals hunting springbok lambs.
Nature walks with the San trackers remained a highlight, offering insight into traditional skills such as fire-making using friction as well as tracking techniques and plant knowledge passed down through generations.
Evenings in camp provided excellent opportunities for stargazing when skies were clear. The open pans allow for wide, uninterrupted views of the night sky, with constellations such as Orion visible along with several bright planets.
