The resident pride, consisting of five lionesses and three cubs, was frequently observed visiting the camp’s waterhole and swimming pool, both in the early mornings and during dinner time.
During the month, a subadult male and female were found feeding on a buffalo carcass near Middle Road, close to the wildlife waterhole. Tracks from other lions were regularly recorded around the pan system, suggesting ongoing movement across the territory.
Spotted hyena activity continued around the water sources, with two individuals seen at Pipeline waterhole during a morning drive. Further signs such as tracks and pasting points were found along the wildlife access routes.
The resident African wild dog pack, comprising three females and one alpha male, was seen near the waterhole close to camp. The pack was resting and later moved into the woodland, likely following game trails as temperatures rose.
Dry season crowds at the waterhole
General game viewing remained strong as the dry season progressed. Elephant breeding herds and bachelor groups visited the waterholes frequently, with bulls spending extended periods mud-bathing and dusting in the afternoons to regulate body temperature. Large herds of zebra and wildebeest gathered on the pans, their numbers increasing ahead of anticipated rains.
Buffalo were encountered intermittently, often mixing with impala in the open grasslands. Oryx were seen both as solitary bulls and in small breeding groups across the pan edges.
Scrub hares were observed in and around camp at night, feeding on fresh short grasses. Black-backed jackals and bat-eared foxes were seen regularly across the plains, especially during early morning and late afternoon.
Reptiles in the haze of the heat and summer migrants on the move
Reptile sightings included a leopard tortoise along the Mini-Baobab loop road and a monitor lizard encountered near Pipeline Road.
Birding was rewarding, with several summer migrants beginning to return. Notable species included pied avocet, black-winged stilt, long-tailed paradise whydah, Burchell’s sandgrouse, red-billed teal and various egret species.
Activity at the waterholes remained consistent as conditions dried further. The vegetation continued to reflect late dry-season conditions. Grass remained tall and golden across the open plains, with woodland areas thinning towards Baines’ Baobabs. The salt pan vistas remained expansive, with the iconic baobabs standing prominent against open skies in anticipation of the coming rains.
Clear evenings provided excellent stargazing opportunities, with visible constellations including the Southern Cross, Orion and Gemini. Jupiter and other bright planets were also easily observed, aided by the flat open terrain surrounding camp.
