Chaos at the water’s edge – the month opened with some of the most dynamic sightings centred around African wild dogs. The resident pack of 16 showed clear signs of splitting, with 3 remaining near to camp. The same 3 were also seen moving through First Hippo Pool and Shining Bridge, including one occasion where they crossed directly through shallow water towards camp.
One of the more notable encounters took place at One Man Crossing, where three African wild dogs were followed as they successfully brought down an impala. As they fed, a crocodile emerged from the water and moved directly towards the carcass, forcing the dogs off and taking the kill. It was a rare interaction between predators and a clear reminder of how quickly control of a kill can change.
Additional sightings included a pack of six African wild dogs feeding on a wildebeest calf near Salt Baobab and the same group later seen resting. On another drive, six dogs were followed during a hunt near Hamerkop Crossing, although that attempt was unsuccessful.
Big cats holding ground
Lion activity remained strong across the concession, with several different groupings encountered. Two lionesses with six cubs, estimated at around two months old, were located south of the airstrip, keeping the cubs well concealed. A coalition of four males from the Bonga pride was regularly seen resting around the airstrip and Zippa Island.
One of the more unusual sightings involved two male lions encountering a male leopard that had hoisted a red lechwe kill into an African mangosteen tree. One of the lions climbed the tree and took the carcass, forcing the leopard to retreat, providing a clear example of predator hierarchy in action.
Further sightings included two males feeding on a zebra on the wildebeest plains, a pride of five moving along the main road near Hamerkop Crossing, and the male known as Mmompati feeding on a lechwe near the mokoro station.
Leopard sightings were well distributed throughout the month. A male was followed near Second Hippo Pool, moving through the area while scent marking and vocalising. A subadult male, estimated at around two years old, was found feeding on a red lechwe in a tree while two spotted hyenas waited below.
Multiple tree sightings were recorded, including a male resting at Salt Baobab and a female positioned at Hamerkop Crossing. A mating pair was also located feeding on an impala in a tree, while another female was observed stalking impala unsuccessfully near Giraffe Skull. One male was also seen moving directly through camp after being located near Shining Bridge
Cheetah activity during the month included a male located on the wildebeest plains, resting under an ebony tree during the morning drive.
Spotted hyena activity remained consistent throughout the concession. Groups of six were seen at the airstrip during night drives waiting for opportunities around lion activity, while smaller groups were located at Aluminium Crossing and Matswiri Crossing. A larger group of eight was observed near First Hippo Pool moving through the area, appearing to test impala herds.
Hyenas were frequently associated with other predators, particularly around leopard kills, reinforcing their role as persistent opportunists.
Life across the concession
General game remained strong, with regular sightings of plains zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, red lechwe, tsessebe, kudu, warthog and giraffe. Elephant and buffalo were also present, along with pods of hippo across the waterways.
Birdlife was particularly active, with a wide range of resident and migratory species recorded. Raptors, storks, kingfishers, pelicans and bee-eaters were all well represented, supported by increased insect and amphibian activity across the floodplains and pans.
The smaller details
Night drives produced sightings of scrub hare, porcupine, genet and springhare, while reptiles such as Nile crocodile, water monitor lizard and flap-necked chameleon were observed across the concession.
The landscape remained green with good grazing, supported by a mix of grasses and tree species including African mangosteen, sausage tree, jackalberry and ebony. Termite mounds continued to shape the terrain, forming elevated islands across the area.
Mokoro excursions and nature walks added another dimension to activities, allowing for a slower pace and a focus on tracks, plants and smaller species. Boat cruises were not offered due to lower water levels, but water-based sightings remained productive in accessible channels.
Evenings around the firepit continued to be a key part of the experience, with guests able to reflect on the day’s sightings while listening to activity moving through the surrounding bush.
