January in the Central Kalahari brought the first real pulse of the green season to Tau Pan. Summer storms rolled across the plains, filling pans and bringing a flush of grass and wildflowers across the dunes. With the rain came new life and increased wildlife activity, and many drives were shaped by tracking animals moving between pans and fresh grazing areas.
Lion activity remained central to the month’s sightings. The dominant Tau Pan male, a striking black-maned lion, continued to hold the core territory around camp. His movements were followed repeatedly through spoor and vocalisations, particularly during the night and early mornings when mating calls carried across the valleys. The male was observed mating with a resident lioness, and the scent and calling associated with this activity drew the attention of other males moving through the area. On one occasion, an intruding male approached the territory and confronted the dominant male. The two sized each other up at close range, but the resident male stood his ground and the challenger eventually withdrew without a physical fight.
Several lionesses were also regularly encountered around the valleys and pan systems. Towards the latter part of the month, a very young cub, only a few weeks old, was located with one of the females. Despite repeated checks of the area over subsequent days, no additional cubs were seen, suggesting the den site was still newly established and the mother was keeping the cub hidden. In the wider area, two adult males were also recorded moving together near Passage Valley, and different lion groups continued to move through the surrounding pans.
African wild dogs, which cover very large ranges across the Kalahari, made a brief but rewarding appearance during the month. One morning a pack of eleven was located at San Pan feeding on a springbok carcass, providing a short but memorable sighting before the pack moved on.
The rains brought a noticeable increase in general game across the pans and open grasslands. Oryx, springbok and wildebeest gathered around the waterholes that still held water after the storms. Black-backed jackals and bat-eared foxes were frequently seen moving across the plains. Elephant numbers increased during the month as small groups moved through the area, and giraffes were encountered regularly browsing the acacia woodlands. Warthogs were also seen occasionally moving between feeding areas.
Smaller mammals added interest to many drives and walks. Ground squirrels, scrub hares, springhares, African wildcats, Damara mole rats and porcupines were among the species recorded during the month.
Reptiles were also active following the rains. Sightings included African rock python, Cape cobra, leopard tortoise, ground agama and several species of skinks.
Birdlife flourished with the arrival of summer migrants. Cuckoos, European rollers, kites, falcons, eagles and storks were seen alongside the many resident species that inhabit the area year-round, making the period particularly rewarding for bird enthusiasts.
The landscape itself underwent a dramatic transformation as the rains continued. Sand dunes and open plains turned green, grasses covered the valleys and flowering plants appeared across the desert floor. Acacia woodlands, Kalahari apple-leaf trees, silver-leafed Terminalia and the seasonal tsamma melons all contributed to the striking contrast between green vegetation and red Kalahari sands.
Walking activities remained an important part of the Tau Pan experience. Trackers spent time interpreting spoor and sharing their deep knowledge of the Kalahari landscape and culture, adding further depth to the understanding of the environment during the green season.
