The rains brought an abundance of life to Tau Pan. Frequent sightings included springbok, gemsbok, red hartebeest, wildebeest, ostriches, jackals, and foxes, while giraffes, kudus, steenbok, and common duikers also roamed the plains.
The green season was in full swing, offering a feast for the animals and an incredible opportunity for guests to witness nature at its finest. The lush vegetation and plentiful waterholes attracted a diverse range of wildlife, making each game drive a rewarding experience.
The flat, expansive sand dunes were covered in vibrant green grass, providing a stunning contrast to the vast desert. The vegetation was lush, and the trees were teeming with life. Tau Pan itself was flooded, and nearby Passarge Pan, along with some roads, was also underwater, enhancing the richness of the environment.
We were fortunate enough to witness a male and female lion mating in the northern part of the area. However, after several days, the male lion disappeared, and we were unable to locate him again.
Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs
Later in the month, another male lion was spotted near Leitahau, attempting to chase a gemsbok. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in capturing his prey. But, the resident pride of seven lionesses were successful hunters and seen feeding on a gemsbok near Tau Pan.
We encountered a female leopard feeding on a springbok carcass. The scene was calm, with no scavengers around, and the carcass was nearly finished. Later, the same female leopard was seen hunting springbok, but unfortunately, her efforts were in vain as the prey managed to escape.
We spotted two very shy male cheetahs near Passarge. However, they quickly retreated into the bush.
We tracked and found a pack of African wild dogs near San Pan. These familiar residents of the area were on the move, likely hunting. Their presence always adds an element of excitement to the day, and we were thrilled to witness their movements in such a wild and untamed environment.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Yellow mongooses and slender mongooses were seen on the move, often visiting the ground squirrels, with whom they share a symbiotic relationship. The squirrels were particularly vocal when a raptor was seen nearby, and they quickly alerted their fellow creatures to the potential danger.
Other regular sightings included bat-eared foxes and African wildcats, two of which were spotted resting in the shade near a waterhole.
A wide variety of birds, including migratory species, were seen throughout the month. Some highlights were Marabou storks, open-billed storks, and black-crowned night herons. The birdlife around Tau Pan was truly diverse, with raptors, plovers, and a variety of waterfowl, including stilts, ruffs, and Egyptian geese, adding to the vibrancy of the landscape.
We witnessed an exciting moment as a yellow-billed kite attempted to catch a dove. Although the kite missed its target, a Gabar goshawk claimed the kill, swooping in to snatch it. A pale chanting goshawk was also spotted feeding on a yellow mongoose along Passarge Valley.
Walking the Land, Listening to its stories
This month’s walks provided guests with a deeper connection to the land and its culture. We shared stories about the area’s history and culture, explaining how the local people lived and where they sourced their food and resources. These walks also allowed our guests to learn more about the environment, including the practical knowledge of where to find food and water in the wild.
Tau Pan consistently offered some of the best stargazing opportunities. Despite occasional rain, there were clear nights that allowed guests to marvel at the night sky. Constellations such as Orion’s Belt, Canis Major (the Big Dog), Canis Minor (the Little Dog), and Taurus the Bull were all visible. The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, and planets like Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, shone brightly, creating a breathtaking celestial display. Our location, nestled in the semi-arid desert, provided an ideal vantage point for stargazing.
(Please note: For the safety of the animals, we do not disclose the precise location of either rhino or pangolin sightings. Accompanying pictures are from our Kwando Photo Library, which includes all your great photo submissions over the years. It may not be the most up-to-date, but we felt it was worthy of a feature alongside this month’s Sightings Report!)
