African wild dog sightings were exceptional this month. A den belonging to a pack of 18 individuals was discovered in the Paradise area. The pack was also seen hunting near the camp, successfully bringing down a sub-adult impala. On another morning, the same pack killed a male impala near the First Hippo Pool.
Lion sightings were frequent throughout the month. Four sub-adult males from the Bonga Pride were observed resting beneath an African mangosteen tree. The same pride was later located on the western side of the Pom Pom airstrip and again at the western end of Marula Island. A male lion named Mompati was found near Drifters Island, accompanied by females with cubs estimated to be two to three days old.
Additional sightings included four lions at Lagoon and six resting beneath a jackalberry tree at One Man Crossing. On another occasion, four males from the Bonga Pride were tracked to Marula Island, where they were seen actively interacting with two lionesses. A group of four lionesses with two cubs, estimated to be three to four months old, was observed hunting in Rebecca’s Field, although they were unsuccessful during the morning. They were later relocated to Drifters Island, still displaying hunting behavior. This same pride was later found at Marula Island, stalking red lechwe.
A coalition known as the Notty Boys was spotted resting under palm trees near Motjimbamo Lagoon. In a different location, three lionesses and a sub-adult male were found at Marula Island, where they were feeding on a buffalo carcass. This kill was later taken over by two male lions, Sekoti and his brother.
Leopards Everywhere: Cubs, Kills, and Clashes
Leopard sightings were frequent and varied. A female leopard was observed actively hunting in the Xhenega area. Bonolo, a known female leopard, was seen moving around Marula Island. Along Giraffe Skull Road, another female was located with a cub estimated to be around two months old. Additionally, a female was found at an old den site where she had hidden her cub.
A male leopard was spotted at Bechtemound, feeding on an impala kill. This sighting attracted hyenas, leading to the kill being scavenged. A sub-adult male was seen in the Fisherman’s Area perched in a tree, while separate male sightings occurred at Kessey’s Field and south of camp. Another female was spotted at Ryder’s Crossing, actively marking her territory by urinating and rubbing her neck against trees. Lastly, a female leopard was seen near the mokoro station stalking impala; the vehicle moved off to let her hunt undisturbed.
Bonolo was observed again at Marula Island alongside three other individuals. Two females—Mosadimogolo and her first cub—were seen in a physical altercation at the mokoro station. A male leopard was later spotted at Rebecca’s Field. Additionally, two male leopards were found west of the airstrip with an impala kill, being watched by four hyenas. Another female dragged her impala kill to Room 4 near the camp.
Cheetah sightings were limited but noteworthy. Three individuals—a pair of sub-adult males approximately 18 months old and their sister—were located near the boundary of the concession.
Spotted hyenas were frequently observed. A total of seven individuals were sighted at Kessey’s Field, while four additional hyenas were seen on the western side of the airstrip, waiting near a leopard’s kill in a tree. Additionally, eighteen hyenas were recorded taking over a buffalo carcass from four feeding lions.
The season of Abundance
General game was abundant. Common sightings included buffalo, southern giraffe, hippopotamus, impala, red lechwe, steenbok, greater kudu, tsessebe, zebra, blue wildebeest, common reedbuck, bushbuck, chacma baboon, vervet monkey, and warthog. Much of the activity occurred around the water’s edge and open plains. Animals were seen mud bathing, likely to assist with thermoregulation and parasite control.
Birdwatching was highly productive throughout the month. The species observed included ostrich, saddle-billed stork, tawny eagle, brown snake eagle, white-backed vulture, lappet-faced vulture, hooded vulture, southern ground hornbill, wattled crane, slaty egret, black heron, secretary bird, kori bustard,
and red-crested korhaan,
Observed reptiles included the Nile crocodile, water monitor lizards, striped skinks, African rock pythons, Mozambique spitting cobras, and tree snakes.
The concession was transformed by incoming floodwaters from Angola, resulting in lush, green floodplains. Flowers were in bloom, although several tree species, such as baobabs, began to shed their leaves. However, sausage trees remained green. Meanwhile, the grass started to dry out.
Four activities remained available: day and night game drives, guided bush walks, and mokoro excursions.
The winter sky was exceptionally clear, showcasing an impressive array of stars, constellations, and planets. Notable constellations included the Southern Cross, Orion, Canis Major and Minor, and Scorpius. Key stars featured Betelgeuse, Sirius, and Antares. This month, visible planets included Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus. The phases of the moon, along with sunrises and sunsets, produced striking visual displays throughout the month.
