One of the month’s most memorable sightings came during an early morning drive when guides located four caracals together in the same area, an exceptionally rewarding encounter for both guests and guides. The group appeared to consist of a female with her cubs accompanied by an adult male, and they remained visible long enough for everyone to appreciate one of the Central Kalahari’s most elusive predators. The abundance of rodents following the productive rainy season appeared to be supporting excellent hunting conditions for these remarkable cats.
Echoes of lions across the dunes and life among the camel thorns
Lion activity remained excellent throughout May as the Tau Pan Pride continued to move regularly around the pan and surrounding valleys. The pride consisted of the dominant male, five lionesses and six cubs now estimated at around six months old. The lionesses remained constantly on the move as they hunted to meet the demands of their growing cubs, while the cubs themselves occasionally ventured close to camp, even stopping to drink from the swimming pool.
The dominant male continued to patrol the concession and his unmistakable territorial roars echoed across the dunes during the early mornings and evenings. Around Phokoje Valley, two magnificent black-maned males were also encountered during the month, while several other prides continued to utilise different parts of the reserve, making lion encounters a regular feature of game drives.
The resident male leopard was frequently found around the airstrip, often stretched out on the branches of large camel thron acacia trees during the warmer hours of the day.
Later in the month he was seen together with the resident female near the pan, and the pair remained together mating over several days.
Cheetahs continued moving through the eastern side of the concession. One individual was found feeding on a springbok during the second week of May, while fresh tracks around the area regularly confirmed their movements between the pans.
Brown hyenas and painted wolves
The Central Kalahari’s resident brown hyenas continued to provide rewarding sightings during morning drives. One individual was located resting quietly near Tau Pan, allowing guests several uninterrupted minutes with this iconic desert scavenger before it disappeared into surrounding cover.
A pack of 13 African wild dogs was regularly seen moving between Piper Pan and Letiahau Waterhole. A second pack of seven also continued operating within the area, and with the alpha female appearing heavily pregnant, anticipation is growing that puppies may soon arrive.
Winter arrives in the Central Kalahari
Although winter officially arrived during May, the Central Kalahari still retained much of the green flush left behind by the excellent summer rains. Early morning temperatures dropped to around five degrees Celsius, while pleasant daytime temperatures and gentle breezes created ideal conditions for exploring the reserve.
General game remained abundant across the pans and valleys. Oryx, greater kudu, steenbok, common duiker, giraffe and elephant were regularly encountered, while both springbok and oryx entered their breeding season. Elephant numbers also continued to increase steadily throughout the concession.
The spectacular landscapes of Passage Valley, Letiahau, Phokoje Pan and Deception Valley remained particularly striking, with camel thorn, umbrella thorn, leadwood and other acacia species still carrying green foliage before the gradual transition to winter colours later in the season.
Desert skies and ancient stories
Smaller mammals continued to add variety to game drives, with ground squirrels, yellow mongooses, gerbils and bat-eared foxes regularly encountered throughout the concession.
As temperatures cooled, reptile activity naturally declined, although Cape cobras, puff adders, agamas and geckos continued to be recorded during warmer parts of the day.
Birdlife remained excellent following the exceptional rains earlier in the year. Black-headed herons, blacksmith lapwings, kori bustards and secretary birds were commonly encountered, while the reserve continued to produce outstanding raptor sightings including tawny eagles, Gabar goshawks, pale chanting goshawks, lanner falcons and black-winged kites.
Bushman walks remained one of the highlights of a stay at Tau Pan. Guests were fascinated as San trackers demonstrated traditional fire-making techniques, interpreted tracks across the sand and shared stories of survival in one of Africa’s oldest living cultures.
As darkness settled over the reserve, Tau Pan once again reminded guests why it is regarded as one of Africa’s finest stargazing destinations. With virtually no artificial light, the Milky Way stretched brilliantly across the desert sky while the Southern Cross, Orion, Scorpius and Sagittarius remained clearly visible above the silent dunes.
