Lion activity remained strong throughout the month. Early in the month, three sub-adults (one male and two females) were located resting under magic guarri bushes at Marula Island after impala alarm calls drew the attention of the guiding team. A few days later, fresh tracks were found at Baobab 1, leading to a pride of seven lions feeding on a wildebeest carcass, located after baboon alarm calls about a kilometre from the original tracks. Later in the month, two adult lions were seen mating near the Shumba area, just south of the airstrip. These consistent sightings reflected successful tracking and the movement of multiple pride segments across the reserve.
Leopard sightings were notable throughout the month. A mother and cub were tracked in the Kessey’s Field and Zippa Island areas. They were later seen resting on a fallen leadwood, providing excellent photographic opportunities. A male was spotted resting on a jackalberry branch nearby. A different female with a cub of approximately one month was found between Zippa and Letswai, sheltering beneath a fallen sausage tree. Another female and two cubs were seen feeding on a side-striped jackal near Letswai, and a separate leopard was observed hunting and successfully killing a scrub hare near Xinega Lagoon after a sundowner stop. Overall, these sightings demonstrated the high density of leopards and successful tracking efforts by the guiding team.
Hunters and Scavengers
African wild dogs were observed on several occasions. A pair was seen hunting at Rebecca’s Field, where they successfully took down an impala in full view of guests. Later in the month, a pack of 19 was located during a guided drive as they hunted and made a successful kill of a baby impala. These encounters provided excellent behavioural insights and memorable moments for visitors.
The resident hyena den remained active, with sightings of both adults and cubs throughout the month. Hyenas were seen regularly during both morning and evening activities. One particularly memorable sighting involved fifteen hyenas feeding on the remains of a wildebeest carcass, not far from lions that had recently finished feeding. This scene of scavenger interaction was observed near Shine Bridge following the early morning sound of lions and hyenas vocalising.
Game viewing by day and stars by night
General game viewing was excellent across the concession. Large concentrations of plains game were seen grazing and resting on the open floodplains. Species commonly observed included zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, red lechwe, impala, kudu, tsessebe, bushbuck, steenbok, and warthog.
Small mammals were not as active this month but we still had some great sightings during night drives and after sundowner stops. Observed species included porcupine, aardwolf, African wildcat, side-striped jackal, small-spotted genet, scrub hare, and bush baby.
Crocodiles were seen occasionally near waterholes, particularly during coffee stops. Reptile sightings also included variable skinks and chameleons. Insects were abundant, with sightings of praying mantises, orb-web spiders, dragonflies (including black preachers), epaulette water striders, and numerous butterfly species.
Birding remained productive with sightings of a wide range of resident and migratory species. Notable sightings included ostrich, southern ground hornbill, water thick-knee, spur-winged goose, Verreaux’s eagle-owl, Pel’s fishing owl, wattled crane, various woodpeckers, and kingfishers, including grey-headed. Vultures observed included white-backed, lappet-faced, and hooded. Other regulars were kori bustards, black-billed bustards, and various bee-eater and roller species.
Mokoro excursions continued to operate, though mostly limited to short 30-minute sessions due to water levels. The mokoro outings still offered rewarding views of aquatic birdlife and water-based vegetation.
Clear skies on several evenings provided good opportunities for star gazing. Visible constellations included the Southern Cross, Orion’s Belt, and Taurus, while planets such as Mars and Venus were observed in the early evenings. The open landscape and minimal light pollution around Pom Pom made for excellent celestial viewing conditions.
