Early in the month, two lionesses and three cubs were observed feeding on a giraffe calf along West Road. A male and a female lion were later seen mating near the camp waterhole. Toward the end of the month, two lionesses were spotted at the wildlife waterhole, feeding on a wildebeest while numerous black-backed jackals loitered nearby.
Spotted hyenas were often heard calling at night around the camp and one individual was seen along Middle Road mid-month. Black-backed jackals and bat-eared foxes were regularly seen across the pan.
Elephant sightings were frequent, with both breeding herds and bachelor bulls coming to drink at the camp waterhole. Good numbers of zebras and wildebeest were recorded on the pan, along with herds of giraffe. Buffalo were seen intermittently, particularly drinking at the wildlife waterhole.
Springbok were common throughout the pans, often seen in mixed groups with impalas. Solitary male oryx were noted along the route to Baines Baobab.
From Salt Pans to Dancing Skies
The Nxai Pan landscape featured a combination of flat open terrain interspersed with scattered bushes and prominent termite mounds. The area toward Baines Baobab included vegetated sand dunes, eventually opening into vast plains and grassland savanna. The transition into the iconic salt pans and the baobab grove offered a distinctive change in scenery.
Dung beetles, butterflies, and dragonflies were seen around the waterholes, the latter feeding on smaller insects in flight. Ground agamas were also observed in open sandy areas.
Birdwatching was incredible, featuring noteworthy sightings such as yellow-billed storks, cape teals, and red-billed teals. Raptors observed included martial eagles, bateleurs, lappet-faced vultures, and white-backed vultures. Additionally, long-tailed paradise whydahs and a variety of smaller passerines were recorded.
Clear winter skies allowed for excellent stargazing. Prominent stars and constellations were visible, including the Southern Cross, Scorpius, Orion, Sirius, and Procyon. Venus was also observed shining brightly.
