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Lagoon

• 
  Two unknown and very skittish male lions were found in the water cut area. They were very nervous and would not let the game drive vehicles get close to them. They were later seen heading south through the area. Another single male and female were seen following a herd of buffalo. The male was nervous, whilst the female was very relaxed.
• 
  A single female cheetah was seen on water cut. She was very relaxed, so the game drives got a good look at her. She was also seen hunting impala, but did not manage to make a kill.
  
• As usual, the lagoon pack of 6 wild dogs was seen on a regular basis and was followed on numerous hunts. The Alpha female is now two and a half months pregnant, so everyone is hoping to see new pups soon.
  
• Night drives were very successful, with many side-striped jackal, black backed jackal and hyena being seen. Two side-striped jackal were spotted trying to turn an African rock python into their supper. The python, it seems, did not take kindly to their idea and put up quite a bit of resistance.
• 
  Big herds of elephant, bulls as well as breeding herds have moved back in to the area. They can be seen almost every evening, playing fighting and quenching their thirst on the riverfront.
  
• The buffalo herds have also moved back in to the area after months of grazing in the mopane forests. This includes breeding herds and bachelor groups.
  
• General game is very good with Tsetsebee, warthog, wildebeest, steenbok, lechwe, zebra seen on most drives. Giraffe and baboons as well as ostriches were also seen. Sightings of crocodiles, sunning themselves on the riverbanks have also increased as the evening and mornings became colder.
  
• Several honey badgers, porcupines, civets and serval have been seen on the night drives.
  
• Birding continues to be good, especially the birds of prey, with Martial eagle, Black breasted snake eagle, Giant eagle owl, barn owl and pearl spotted owls being seen. Spoonbill storks and wattled cranes were also seen.

Lebala

• Three female and two big male lions have been visiting the Lebala area. One of the females is heavily pregnant and one of the other females is lactating, which indicate that there might be some cubs around. Another younger male was spotted following some buffalo around.
• 
  A young male leopard was seen stalking impala near wild dog pan, two nights in a row. He was not successful in his hunt, as the impala’’s smelled him and took off.
  
• After being absent for almost a month, the two-brother cheetahs were seen West of python pan. They were in very good condition. They were seen several times more during the month, every time with full bellies.
• The Lagoon pack of 6 wild dogs ventured closer to Lebala and were seen resting near John’’s pan.
  
• Big herds of elephants are moving on to the flood plains; this is due to the water pans in the mopane forest drying up. Some of the breeding herds had very small babies with them. One old bull came in to camp and started feeding on the grasses under the bird hide, in full view of the guests who were busy having tea.
  
• Big herds of buffalo have also moved back on to the flood plains, for the same reason as the elephants. The herds are scattered all over the area and are in very good condition with lots of young calves in the herds.
  
• The hyena clans have been very active throughout the month. One group were seen feeding on a carcass that they stole from a leopard. Some black backed jackals were seen, pushing last year’’s litter of pups out of the territory. The young jackals were very distressed by their parent’’s behaviour. Several genet sightings were also reported, one of them a mother with her tree kittens playing on the lounge deck, early one morning.
  
• Excellent general game with many large journeys of giraffe, impala, waterbuck, Tsessebe, Wildebeest, Steenbok zebra, red lechwe and kudu. A brief sighting of roan antelope were also reported. A full on territorial fight between 2 wildebeest bulls were seen by some guests out on the morning game drive.
  
• Several species of mongoose were seen on numerous game drives. A very relaxed serval was seen hunting on the flood plains South of camp and there was also a brief sighting of a caracal on main road.
  
• Eleven wattled cranes were found together at Kubu pans. Many different eagles, including Martial eagle and Walberg’’s eagle were seen. Most of the summer residents have now left, except for some little bee-eaters who are still hanging around. A very unusual sighting of a snouted cobra, swallowing a frog, in front of the camp was also reported.

Kwara and Little Kwara

• The pride of 5 lions, consisting of 2 females, with the three one-year cubs was seen often during the month. On one occasion they were seen hunting and bringing down a big male warthog. Another group of 4 lionesses were seen fishing in an almost dry pond. They ate too much fish and got sick afterwards. One of the big males was seen mating with one of the females of the pride of five.
  
• Our resident female leopard is now leaving the famous leopard cub, alone for longer periods of time. She has been seen twice, trying to hunt impala but was not successful. The female was seen in Kwara camp, late one afternoon. She strolled through camp, unworried by the presence of the manager and staff. A big male leopard was also seen, but he was rather shy.
  
• A female, cheetah with her two cubs were seen regularly. She was seen hunting twice, but missed on both occasions. The three brothers were also seen hunting and they also missed.
  
• Two packs of wild dogs, one pack of 13 dogs and another of only 2 dogs, visited the area very briefly.
  
• Very good sightings of bull elephants have been reported. They moved in to the area to feed on the marula fruits, which are now ripening up and falling from the trees.
  
• A group of 5 old bachelor buffalo’’s were seen in the distance by guests, out on the boat cruise.
  
• On one of the nights a unique sighting, of three-spotted hyena, fighting a female giraffe for her stillborn calf were reported. After about an hour the giraffe gave up and the hyena feasted on the dead calf. Genet, serval and African wild cats, were also seen regularly.
  
• General game sightings continue to be very good. Giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, kudu and some sable antelope were seen. Rutting season has started, so there are lots of excitement in the impala herds, with the males competing for the attention of the females.
  
• Birding continues to be good. Pairs of wattled cranes, saddle billed storks, yellow-billed storks, marabou storks and some ground hornbills have been seen. There were also lots of reptile sightings, with black mamba, puff adders and African rock pythons being seen. Some guests also got good photographs of painted reed frogs while out on the mekoro

• A single lioness was seen roaming through the area.A female leopard and her cub were seen feeding on an Impala kill. Two male leopards were also seen, both were very relaxed and one of them was sitting on top of a termite mound observing his territory.
• The pack of 6 wild dogs continue to be sighted in the Lagoon area. They have been found on numerous occasions, with full bellies and blood on their faces but no one actually saw them killing.
• Good sightings of chameleons were again reported. Three Hyena were seen hunting and killing an Impala. Another clan were seen feeding on a giraffe carcass. Genets, springhare and black backed jackals were also seen on some of the night drives.
• Small groups of elephants, breeding herds as well as bachelor groups, continue to be seen on the floodplains and on the riverbanks.
• General game is very good with Tsetsebee, warthog, wildebeest, steenbok, lechwe, zebra seen on most drives. Some guests were lucky and managed to get a good look at some sable antelope. A very rare sighting of a herd of Eland was also reported, they were seen in the Northern part of the concession
• Birding continues to be good with lots of birds of prey and some European bee-eaters being sighted. There are also still a few carmine bee-eaters around.
• A black mamba was seen on one of the night drives and a 4-meter African rock python was found sleeping in a tree.

• The guides have been trying very hard to find the den of the three lionesses that are roaming the area at the moment. They were able to hear them calling in the mopane forest, but have been unable to locate the den up to now.
• A big male leopard was seen and followed along river road. He was very relaxed, but disappeared into some long grasses after a while.
• Herds of elephant continue to be seen, but they seem to be found more on the edges of the Mopane woodland, rather than on the riverbanks where they were concentrated for the past 2 weeks.Hyena and both of the jackal species were seen during the day and night. Eight hyena were found feeding on an elephant carcass. The elephant had died of natural causes.
• Excellent general game with many large journeys of giraffe, impala, waterbuck, Tsessebe, Wildebeest, Steenbok zebra, red lechwe and kudu.
• Very good sightings of all the mongoose species were reported daily. Serval and Civet cats as well as porcupine have been seen on the night drives. A mating pair of honey badgers was seen feeding on a leopard tortoise. A good sighting of a caracal, walking down main road was also reported.
• Birdlife continue to be excellent. African skimmers, ostriches, wattled cranes and lots of ducks and geese were seen, as well as many birds of prey.

• Three different prides of lions have been seen. The two big dominant males have joined up again with the rest of their pride (4 females and one sub adult male). They have been very active, hunting around the camp and airstrip and were seen feeding on a Tsessebe.
• A smaller pride consisting of 2 females and a year old cub were seen hunting around the mekoros station area. Another pride of five lions was seen killing a warthog.
• The famous leopard and cub were seen trying to hunt impala, as well as warthog. They were not successful and spent a lot of time relaxing in a tree.
• The coalition of three-brother cheetah was seen on numerous occasions. They looked very hungry at one stage but were later found with full bellies.
• A pack of 2 dogs appeared at Kwara camp one morning and the camp called the game drive vehicles back to come and have a look. They were very healthy looking, but did not spend much time in the area.
• Elephant numbers are slowly increasing in the area and quite a few bachelor herds as well as small breeding herds have been seen.
• Night drives provided sightings of hyena and, both jackal species. Hyena were also seen and heard in camp every night.
• General game sightings continue to be very good and the impala are also starting to rut. Good sightings of hippo coming out of the water to graze in front of the camp were also reported.
• Very good sightings of Serval and African wildcat were reported. A caracal was also seen walking down a road in broad daylight.
• Birding continues to be good. Martial eagle, brown snake eagle and black-breasted snake eagle were some of the birds of prey being seen. Marabou stork and saddle-billed storks was also seen. The guides also managed to locate two puff adders.

• A very good sighting of a single lioness was reported north of Lagoon camp.
• The 2 cheetah brothers visited the area and were found relaxing in the shade.
• The wild dogs continue to be sighted in the Lagoon area. The pack of 6 dogs was seen hunting and successfully killing an impala.
  
• Good sightings of chameleons were reported. A pair of mating honey badgers was also spotted. Hyena continue to be seen and heard every night, they seem to be following the pack of wild dogs around in hope of stealing their kills.
  
• Large numbers of elephants, breeding herds as well as bachelor groups, continue to be seen on the floodplains and on the riverbanks.
  
• General game is very good with Tsetsebee, warthog, wildebeest, steenbok, lechwe, zebra seen on most drives. Some guests saw a shy bushbuck; whilst on their sunset boat cruise.
  
• Night drives found an African wild cat hunting rodents. A shy serval was also seen. A good sighting of some dwarf mongoose, relaxing on their termite mound house was also reported.
• 
  Migratory birds are still out in force as well as osprey, slaty and black egret, and martial eagles along the riverfront.
  
• A black mamba was seen crossing the road, in front of the game drive vehicle.

• Three lionesses were tracked and found near White Plains. They were hunting wildebeest but did not succeed. Just before they disappeared into the mopane woodland, the guides observed that they were lactating. The conclusion was that they must have a den with cubs somewhere in the woodlands.
  
• Some very lucky guests got to spend a whole afternoon observing a very full-bellied male leopard at Hotwire pan. He was very relaxed and resting. He became active later in the afternoon and started marking his territory.
  
• The 2 cheetah brothers are still active South of the camp, and were found feeding on the carcass of a young lechwe.
  
• Big breeding herds of elephant, some of them up to 500 in the herd are found along the flood plains. A good sighting of a herd of about 150 elephant, having a mud bath in Kuku pan was reported.
  
• On one of the night drives a porcupine was seen coming out of his burrow, he got shy when he saw the vehicle and went back into his hole. Hyena are seen during the day and night, as well as both of the jackal species.
  
• Excellent general game with many large journeys of giraffe, impala, waterbuck, Tsessebe, Wildebeest, Steenbok zebra, red lechwe and kudu.
• 
  Very good sightings of all the mongoose species were reported daily. Serval and Civet cats as well as porcupine have been seen on the night drives.
  
• Birdlife continue to be excellent, with three banded coursers, African skimmers, wattled cranes and a black-headed heron making up some of the rarer species to be seen. Painted reed frogs were also seen in the channel in front of camp.
  
• Snakes sightings are frequent with common Night Adders, spotted bush snake, boom slang and an African rock python.
  

• The pride of seven lions, have split up with the 2 big males moving around by them selves. The rest of the pride (4 females and one sub adult male) was seen almost every day and at one stage were seen trying to kill a python. They did not succeed. They were also found feeding on a tsessebe carcass.
  
• A female leopard and her cub were found feeding on an impala carcass. They stayed on the same spot for 3 days and made for some fantastic sightings. An amazing sighting of a male leopard fighting with baboons was also reported.
  
• The female cheetah with her three cubs was seen at impala pan and another female with 2 cubs were found on mopane road. They were all looking very healthy. The 3 brothers were also found, with full bellies resting in the shade.
  
• A pack of 13 dogs were located at honeymoon pan. They stayed at the same spot, resting for a whole day. They started hunting in the afternoon, but were not successful.
  
• Solitary elephant bulls are all around as well as bachelor herds. A breeding herd, 100 strong were also seen.
  
• Three buffalo bulls were spotted after a long spell of not seeing any buffalo.
• Night drives provided sightings of hyena and, both jackal species. African wildcat and chameleon were also seen.
• General game sightings continue to be very good and the impala are also starting to rut.
  
• The birds are stunning with all of the migratory birds all over. The Heronry numbers have diminished but it still has many sacred ibis, woolly-neck, yellow and marabou storks. A good sighting of a giant eagle owl was also reported. One group saw an African rock python crossing the road in front of them.

January 2007.

Lagoon camp

• 
  The two male cheetahs returned to the Lagoon area after spending more than a week in the Lebala area. They were found relaxing in the shade of a tree with very full bellies.
• 
  The Lagoon pack of dogs continues to be of great value to the guests. They are seen almost on a daily basis and the guides suspect that the Alfa female might be pregnant. They created a lot of excitement when they hunted and killed an impala only 2 km from camp.
• 
  Small breeding herds and some bull elephants with very big tusks have been found in the afternoons drinking from the river.
  Reptile sightings have been excellent, with 2 African rock pythons, a black mamba, rock monitor and Nile monitor being seen. The birding also stayed very good, with all the summer migrants still in attendance. Wattle cranes, ground hornbills, tawny eagles, brown snake eagles and African fish eagle were some of the many other birds seen in the area.
  
• Night drives have been very productive with caracal, African civet, African wildcat, spotted genet and a giant eagle owl being seen.
  
• General game sightings continue to very good, with lots of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, tsessebe, waterbuck, red lechwe, and on some occasions even roan antelope being found.
  
• Mongoose sightings were again very good, with slender mongoose, dwarf mongoose, banded mongoose and yellow mongoose being found. Porcupine and honey badgers was also sighted on some of the drives.
  
  

Kwara and Little Kwara camps.

• 
  A pride of four lions, consisting of three adult females and one sub adult male have been very active in the area. They were followed whilst hunting but they did not manage to kill.
  
• The female leopard was found hunting on the plains. She was a bit nervous and the guides decided to give her some space so that she could concentrate on getting a meal.
  
• Cheetah sightings were fantastic. A shy female with two eight month old cubs were found and she was observed teaching the cubs how to stalk their prey. The cubs and guests then got to watch her take down a big impala ram. The three brothers were also spotted hunting at Tsum-Tsum plains, but they did not succeed.
  
• The packs of thirteen dogs have been staging kills all over the area. In one instance, they managed to kill two adult impala and a baby impala in one hunt, all in the space of nine minutes. Another pack of ten dogs also took down three impala in one go and went on to rest in the shade after feeding.
  
• All of a sudden, big breeding herds of elephant as well as big old bachelor bulls have been found feeding on the flood plains. This is very strange for this time of the year, as they normally prefer feeding in the woodlands in the rainy season.
  
• Good sightings of spotted hyena, black backed jackal and side-striped jackal are being reported on the night drives.
  
• Big herds of zebra and giraffe as well as impala and Tsessebe on the plains continue to deliver good photographic opportunities for the guests.
  
• Banded and dwarf mongoose were seen on some of the drives. African wild cats, serval, large spotted genet and a civet were seen on the night drives.
  
• Many large, Africa rock pythons as well as puff adders and black mambas have been seen on the drives. Wattle cranes also moved in to the area and all the other summer migrants continue to provide excellent birding.
  
• Several guests have taken the additional scenic flight activity. Accompanied by their guide and a pilot with a keen eye, they have had breathtaking narrated journeys right up to the panhandle and have seen excellent game, including large herds of buffalo.

Lebala camp

• 
  A single lioness was located near twin- pools, sleeping. After a while, she got up and started moving away. The game drives followed her and she led them to her den where she had two 4-month-old cubs hidden. She created more excitement when she killed a warthog almost in the camp. She managed to kill another warthog after a couple of days, so her cubs were in very good condition when they were seen.
  
• A shy male leopard was found hunting near Nari pan during the night drive but was left alone as he seemed nervous. Another young male was found near John’s pan, he was very relaxed and in very good condition. Lastly a very big male leopard found hunting red lechwe near BB spot, he missed and disappeared into the thick bush.
  
• A very relaxed and well-fed female cheetah was found near near BB spot. Tracks of two more cheetahs were found and followed and this resulted in two males being found near old hippo-pools. Another two solitary males were seen moving through the area. They were very nervous and did not stay long.
  
• Huge breeding herds, some of them up to 500 elephant in the herds had been coming out of the mopane woodland to feed on the floodplains. This is extraordinary for this time of the year, and created big excitement.
  
• The hyena den is still very active and many hours are spent watching the pups frolicking. One of the adults brought back a big piece of giraffe neck to the den and there was some good viewing of them feeding.
  
• General game sightings continue to be very good, with lots of zebra, impala, wildebeest, warthogs, tsessebe, waterbuck and giraffe being seen.
  
• Good sightings of African wildcat, hunting rodents, reported on almost all the night drives. Mongoose sightings were also very good, with banded, dwarf, yellow and slender mongoose being seen.
  
• The birding continues to be very good. European swallows were seen feeding on termites and most of the summer residents are still around. Black-kites, yellow-billed kites, black shouldered kites and many of the eagles reported being seen. Wattle cranes and slaty egrets were some of the water birds that were seen. Very good sightings of black mambas, boom slang, night adders and spotted bush snakes also reported.

November 2006.

Lagoon camp

• 
  A coalition of four male lions was seen patrolling the area between the camp and John’’s pan over the last two weeks. They were also seen feeding on a baby elephant carcass for a couple of days. No females were seen during this time.
• Two leopards were seen during the last two weeks, one of them a male who was spotted far north, on the upper Kwando and the other a well fed female, closer to camp.
• 
  Our well known, ""two brother"" cheetahs were seen moving North towards the camp. They did not stay long though as the four male lions in the area posed a threat to them. They were last seen moving back South, towards Lebala camp.
• 
  The Lagoon pack of dogs, consisting of the three adults and three young ones, were seen everyday for 15 days straight hunting and resting in the area. They seem to enjoy being close to Lagoon the camp.
• Small breeding herds of fifteen to twenty elephant are still being seen, mostly at night drinking from the river. Some lone bulls were also still seen on the game drives.
• 
  Breeding herds of buffalo continue to be seen almost every day. The herds are now moving away from the river towards the Mopane forest as the water holes are filling up with rainwater.
• 
  Three relaxed black mambas have been seen on the game drives. The birding continues to be excellent with all the summer residents now accounted for.
• 
  Springhares are seen on every night drive. Hyena and jackal have also been seen at the lion kill. The hyena kept their distance from the kill, but the black backed jackals managed to steal titbits from the kill.
• 
  Lots of giraffe, tsessebe, impala, wildebeest, lechwe, reedbuck and baboons are being seen on the drives. Sable and roan antelope had also been seen, although very briefly.
• Porcupine, African Wild Cat and dwarf mongoose had been seen as well as the tracks of an aardvark.
  

Kwara and Little Kwara camps.

• Three different lion prides were seen in the Kwara area during the last couple of weeks. The first pride consisted of 3 females, 2 big males and one young male. They were seen resting on a termite mound. The next pride had one big male and seven females and was followed while they were out hunting on the Tsum-Tsum plains. The third pride was seen at third bridge, moving towards Splash camp and consisted of one male, two females, one male cub and one female cub. One of the prides killed a hippo, close to the airstrip. Another pride moved in on the kill and in the resulting battle one of the cubs was killed.
• The regularly seen female leopard and her now eight month old cub, created quite a spectacle, when they walked on to two reedbuck and mom managed to kill one of the reedbucks in full view of the game drives. She dragged her kill for almost 2km to her preferred feeding place and was observed feeding on the kill with her cub.
• 
  The tree cheetah brothers managed to get separated and one was heard franticly calling his brothers. He managed to locate his two brothers and was later seen relaxing with them on a termite mound.
• An unknown pack of 14 wild dogs have been seen over the last couple of months. They were followed on the afternoon game drive and managed to kill two impala, 5 minutes apart. They managed to feed on both the kills uninterrupted.
• Elephant sightings have been very good on the boat cruise, with breeding herds as well as small bachelor herds seen crossing the channel.
• A small herd of about 100 buffalo was seen feeding on the plains.
• 
  Hyena, continue to be seen on almost every night drive. A clan of 6 hyena was seen in one morning and followed while heading towards Mothusi’’s crossing.
• 
  General game sightings continue to be very good, with zebra, giraffe, impala, baboon, kudu, tsessebe, reedbuck, wildebeest, waterbuck, red lechwe and sable antelope being seen.
• 
  Two relaxed porcupine were seen moving around on one of the night drives. Serval and African Wild Cat as well as two shy honey badgers were also spotted on the drives. The lions have also been very active around camp at night, so guests had to be driven instead of walked to their tents.
• The birding, continues to be good, with the heronry being very active. Ground hornbills, wattle cranes, slaty egrets and goliath heron also put in an appearance

Lebala camp

• A pride of two male and three female lions have been seen on several occasions during the last two weeks. They were seen hunting, but were unfortunately not successful. A coalition of four males was also seen at John’s pan.
• A rare sighting of two adult leopards together was reported. The male was very relaxed while the female was a little nervous.
• A nervous male cheetah was seen on one of the drives. The same male was again seen the next day, he was more relaxed and managed to successfully hunt and kill a wildebeest calf. The two brother cheetahs also came in to the area later in the week and they stayed for a couple of days.
• The pack of 16 wild dogs created a lot of excitement, when they appeared in the area. They killed an impala and then lost the kill to a clan of hyena. They moved off and managed to kill a young tsessebe. The hyeana followed them and after a viscous fight they lost this kill as well.
• Jackals, civet, and serval had been seen quite often. A rare sighting of an African Wild Cat hunting a scrub hare was also reported; however it did not manage to kill the hare.
• 
  General game sightings continue to be very good, with lots of zebra, impala, wildebeest, warthogs, tsessebe, waterbuck and even some roan antelope being seen.
• 
  Honey badgers, serval and mongoose were seen regularly on the drives.
• 
  A couple of black mamba, cobra and python sightings have been reported. The birding continues to be excellent with lots of birds of prey and summer migrants being seen

October 2006

• Two pairs of lions were found mating during the week, while another two males was seen moving through the area. A single lioness was also found feeding on a elephant carcass.
• A female leopard seen twice hunting impala along the river.
• Two male cheetahs seen making their way towards Lebala. The tracks of a female cheetah with cubs found and followed but not located.
• The Lagoon wild dog pack consisting of three adults and three pups was found relaxing and hunting close to camp.
• Breeding herds of elephant now becoming a regular sighting throughout the area.
• Big herds of buffalo moving from the Mopane forest to the river almost every day.
• Good sightings of birds of prey including African Hawk eagle, Brown Snake eagle and African Fish eagle.
• Hyena found killing a newborn elephant calf. Regular sightings of Black backed Jackal.
• Herds of Zebra, Tsessebe and Impala as well as Roan and Sable antelope has been seen.
• Caracal and Honey badger as well as large spotted genet and Civet has been seen on the night drives.   
  

• A pride of lions consisting of four adult females, two cubs and a three year old male was seen hunting. They were  being followed by two one year old males.
• Female leopard with her four month old cub seen regularly. They are both very relaxed and a very good sighting of them relaxing in a dead tree was reported. She later managed to kill a reedbuck and was found feeding on the kill with her cub.
• A pack of three wild dogs passed through the area. They were well fed and therefore was unfortunately  not seen hunting.
• A lot of single bulls spotted from the boat as well as a few small breeding herds on the floodplains.
• A big herd of about 200 buffalo  was seen in the area and later on a even bigger herd of around 1800. This was one of the biggest herds seen in this area.
• The heronry is very active at the moment with lots of yellow billed storks, sacred ibis and many other small herons breeding. Good sightings of martial eagle, brown snake eagle and black breasted snake eagle roaming the skies.
• Lots of hyena activity around the camp every night. The guides suspect a den nearby, but yet have to locate it.
• Herds of zebra feeding on the plains, as well as small herds of wildebeest and tsessebe is seen regularly. Lots of warthogs found on almost every drive.
• Very good serval sightings both in the morning and afternoon and very relaxed African wild cat seen on the night drives.
  

• Three young males were hunting in the area around camp for almost a week. They later joined up with another injured male and managed to kill a baboon. A solitary lioness was also seen hunting buffalo close to camp. Four females killed a wildebeest but ten hyenas managed to steal their kill. Two males was also seen following a buffalo herd while a single lioness managed to kill a warthog close to camp.
• A very shy leopard was located close to John’s pan. Another two male leopards found in different locations resting in sausage trees.
• After being gone for nearly a month the two cheetah brothers was seen hunting impala down old Lebala road.
• Good sightings of breeding herds of elephant almost everyday, some of them very close to camp. Some solitary bulls feeding in camp at night.
• Big herds of buffalo found moving through the area and feeding on the floodplains, almost on a daily basis.
• Birding is very good at the moment with lots of the summer migrants and breeders arriving. Eight wattle cranes spotted feeding together. Frogs and snakes being seen including a boom slang and black mamba.
• Lots of hyena being seen following lions and trying to take over the kills. Black backed as well as side striped jackal being seen feeding regularly.
• A pack of wild dogs consisting of ten adults and six pups seen resting and hunting impala in the area.
• Very good general game including roan and sable antelope as well as herds of zebra, wildebeest, tsessebe and kudu bulls being seen. Herds of giraffe also frequently found feeding on the edges of the woodlands.
• Lots of sightings of African wildcats as well as a few serval being seen. A mating pair of honey badgers was also found at night. Very good mongoose sightings, with slender, yellow, dwarf and banded mongoose being seen.    
  

• A pride of eight lions, consisting of three males and five females were found hunting buffalo but they did not manage to kill. Two big males found feeding on a buffalo kill, while another pride consisting of two adult females, two cubs and a young male was also seen hunting buffalo.
• A female leopard and her cub was found resting in the shade of a tree. They were both very relaxed with the mother spending time grooming her cub.
• Three young male cheetah was found. They looked very well fed, but was still looking around for another possible meal.
• A few very persistent elephant bulls visiting camp to pick up the  jackal berry fruits which is scattered thick on the ground this time of the year.
• A large herd of buffalo seen, with some of the bulls mating with receptive females. These buffalo herds are constantly followed and harassed by various lion prides.
• Broad billed rollers and carmine bee-eaters are back, and wattle cranes as well as saddle billed storks has been seen.
• Lots of Hyena activity around camp. Very good sightings of black backed as well as side striped jackals on the drives.
• Giraffes, zebra, kudu and tsessebe was seen in abundance on the plains.
• Night drives were good, with porcupines, civet, serval and African wild cats being seen

September 2006

• A pair of dominant male lions accompanied by a pair of lionesses were found hunting on an island, and followed for some time.
• A mating pair of lions were found and the process was seen over a period of a few days.
• 2 male lions were found on a buffalo kill, while 2 lionesses and another male were found on another kill.
• A pride of 5 lions wandered past the camp a few mornings ago
• An adult female leopard managed to kill a buffalo calf, and was found feeding on it with her pair of 8 week-old cubs. They were initially nervous but became more relaxed providing excellent viewing over a few days.
• A pair of male cheetah were followed hunting but were not seen making a kill
• The Lagoon pack of 6 wild dogs was seen several times, resting as well as hunting but were not seem making any kills
• Excellent numbers of elephant seen in the area – larger numbers of both breeding and bachelor herds as all the pans dry up. Some of the breeding herds are quite aggressive – an indication of stress at the end of the very long dry season
• Large numbers of buffalo are seen daily in several herds both north and south of the camp – usually moving to and from watering holes and resting up at night in open woodlands (a few times right next to the camp)
• Night sightings include hyenas, jackal (both species), African wild cat, civet, lesser bushbaby, white-tailed mongoose, caracal (seen every night last week), springhares, scrub-hares, serval, porcupine, and numerous chameleon sightings.
• General game has been good including sable and roan antelope, impala, warthogs, giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, kudu, waterbuck, lechwe, wildebeest as well as chacma baboons and vervet monkeys.
• The birding has been good with ground hornbills, ostrich, both oxpecker species, large numbers of carmines, rosy-throated longclaw, 6 owl species, as well as excellent sightings of both water-birds and raptors.
  

• 2 adult male lions were found and followed moving around marking their territory.
• Another 2 adult male lions were found resting close to the boat station (small surprise for guests disembarking)
• 4 lionesses together with 2 three-month old cube were found feeding on an impala.
• A pride of 7 lionesses was followed hunting as well as a pride of 8 – both without making a kill.
• An adult female leopards was followed hunting and marking her territory – she was very relaxed and provided an excellent sighting. There were several other sightings of leopards, moving around and hunting.
• 3 Male cheetah were found hunting – they missed their quarry.
• A number of different elephant bulls were seen feeding around the lush channels, and still are frequenting the camp daily as well as making good use of the expanse of water in from of the camp
• A couple of small breeding herds of elephants were also seen.
• Several small herds of buffalo (max 200) were seen throughout the concession, moving down to water in the morning.
• Carmine bee-eaters were found nesting at 4-rivers. Another highlight was a rare sighting of a Bat hawk. Guests also had good sightings of various raptor and vulture species, ground hornbills, and excellent water-birds both at the pan in front of the camp and at the heronry
• Night drives yielded aardwolf, both jackal species, hyenas, African wild cat, civet, as well as several serval and honeybadger sightings.
• General game good – including baboons, zebra, tsessebe, giraffe, red lechwe, impala, kudu, warthog, waterbuck as well as a rare sitatunga seen from the air close to the airstrip
  

Lebala  camp

• A single lioness was found hunting wildebeest on Crane rd – she was then followed pursuing a herd of buffalo, and a couple of days later found feeding on a buffalo calf for 3 days
• A pride of 4 lionesses was found feeding on a buffalo close to Twin Pools while the single lioness took a stroll through the camp past tent 8. The pride of 4 later killed another buffalo calf near to Skimmer pan, and a week later were found sharing an adult buffalo with a pair of male lions
• 4 young male lions were found watching and following a herd of buffalo for several days being repulsed by the buffalo  numerous times. They later chased a warthog without success. Finally they were found feeding on a buffalo bull just north of Baobab rd
• A very relaxed male leopard was found and followed hunting along Vlei rd, while a relaxed female leopard was followed hunting just south of the camp a couple of times – she caught and ate two mice while hunting through the long grass.
• An adult female cheetah was found several days in a row hunting around the camp areas.
• A pair of male cheetah was found resting in the shade of a tree just north of the camp – they were later found feeding on a warthog piglet, and then seen heading off west moving through their home range.
• Large numbers of elephants spread across the floodplains – guides estimate them numbering over a thousand made up of several smaller herds together. Breeding herds of elephants have been moving through the camp nightly as well, disturbing the hippo’s nightly foray’s as well as some guests rest.
• Huge herds of buffalo – largest c.1500 seen crossing the floodplains north and south of the camp, as well as giving guests and guides a few surprises in the camp at night.
• Excellent bird-watching with most of the summer migrants already in full attendance – yellow-billed kites, carmine bee-eaters, ruffs, sandpipers, and other water-birds as well as saddle-billed storks, kori bustards, secretary birds and ground hornbills. Aggressive bird behavior is also often giving away positions of snakes including mambas, a boomslang, and a mole-snake.
• Good general game including zebra, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and reedbuck as well as giraffe, grey duiker, sable (herd of 10) and roan antelope, kudu, warthogs, and tsessebe as well as lots of hippo and a bonus of honey-badgers hunting during the day
• Night drives yielded civet, serval, selous mongoose, aardvark, African wild cats every night, and a wonderful black-backed jackal den with 4 puppies seen with both adults. An interesting highlight was a pack of hyena chasing an elephant calf around a thick woodland with its mother frantically warding them off – the following morning guides found a dead hyena in the vicinity – it was being cannibalized by other hyenas.
  

• Two large male lions was found and followed for a while – then guides found a pride of four lionesses out hunting with their two cubs.
• A pride of three adult male lions, four lionesses and (accompanied by two 3 week-old cubs) were seen taking down an adult buffalo bull. Later one of the lions was seen mating with one of the lionesses.
• This pride of seven adults  were also seen killing an impala just west of the camp.
• Five other lions, three adult lionesses and two cubs were found hunting in the far eastern part of the traverse area.
• A big female leopard killed a reedbuck just west of Main Kwara, while a shy male was located near Poison crossing
• An adult female and her suckling cub were found and watched for some time – there were several other sightings of relaxed female leopards
• A coalition of three adult male cheetah were found relaxing under a large baobab – they were well-fed. Later they were found again having moved and were hunting across the Tsum tsum floodplains – they chased a reedbuck but were not successful
• A pack of three male wild dogs was found feeding on an impala.
• Breeding herds of elephants are now being more frequently in the southern concession moving across the floodplains to the delta channels.
• Bachelor herds of elephants still seen frequently in and around the camp day and night
• A herd of buffalo numbering around 200 strong has been in the Kwara area over the last month
• Guests continue to have excellent bird sightings on gamedrive, as well as from the mekoros, boat trips and walks – the summer migrants are seen on full force and there have been numerous interesting sightings of snakes and frogs as well
• The general game is good especially along the receding water-edges of the floodplains – include zebra, giraffe, impala, baboon, kudu as well as sable antelope
• Interesting nocturnal species include serval, civet, African wild cat, genets, and porcupine while guests saw a honeybadger kill and eat a snake.

August 2006

• The Lagoon pride was found finishing off the remain of an impala, and later were seen feeding on a buffalo in the upper Kwando area – they crossed north into the Caprivi for a while and were found again on an island in the Kwando river last week.
• 2 lionesses (one with the APCRO collar) were found feeding on a buffalo, and were seen regularly subsequently. They were later seen pulling down a buffalo.
• A new pride, the Masalela pride, was found just north of the camp – very exciting for the Lagoon guides
• 2 very shy adult male lions were found, and seen from a distance before they ran off, another male lion was seen pulling down a buffalo bull one morning, while an adult male lion and lioness pair were seen mating.
• Several leopard sightings including an adult male leopard with a full belly was followed marking his territory for some time, a female was found and followed hunting for a while – she did not make a kill, a relaxed male was also followed through the mopane for some time.
• A pair of male cheetah were found resting in the shade on top of a termite mound – they were seen regularly over the last period favoring the open floodplains of the Water-Cut areas
• The Lagoon pack of dogs was seen regularly – initially without the Alpha female – and later with her showing signs of lactating - they killed an impala, and ate for a short while before being robbed by hyenas. The guides saw them kill again several times, and then finally about 10 days ago they saw 3 puppies moving with the adults close to the camp – they killed another impala right next to the camp. They were seen hunting around the Broken Baobab area (killed another impala), and were last seen a couple of days ago chasing tsessebe.
• Big numbers of elephants in the Lagoon area, both breeding herds and bachelor herds providing excellent sightings all day long.
• Excellent buffalo sightings both north and south of the camp – the largest herd est.2000 strong – most herds between 500 and 1000 – fighting and mating witnessed as well
• General game good – zebra, giraffe, impala, tsessebe, kudu, reedbuck as well as sable and roan antelope
• Night sightings include hyenas, porcupines, 2 sightings of pangolin, African wild cats – one with 4 kittens, side-striped and black backed jackals (including a pair of black-backed jackals chasing and fighting with a side-striped jackal), servals, genets and one incredible sighting of 5 honey-badgers together! Also a caracal seen regularly close to the camp and chameleons seen most nights as well
  

• A pride of 3 lionesses were found accompanied by an adult male as well as a sub-adult male – they were well fed
• A mating pair of lions were seen romancing for 4 days, while 2 old male lions were seen feeding on an elephant carcass
• 3 lionesses were found with 3 four-month old cubs
• A pride of 3 males and 7 lionesses pulled down a buffalo
• Another pride made up of an adult male, a sub-adult male, 4 lionesses and 2 cubs were twice seen killing buffalo
• An adult female leopard (lactating) and her 6 week old cub were seen regularly, she was seen hunting reedbuck without initial success but was later found feeding on reedbuck. More recently she was found feeding on an impala with her cub
• Another adult female leopard with 2 eight-week old cubs – they were found feeding on a young reedbuck
• A female cheetah with 3 cubs was found feeding on impala on three different occasions.
• A coalition of 3 male cheetah was found resting in the shade on a termite mound.
• A pack of 3 adult wild dogs was followed hunting – there was no sign of the 8 puppies seen earlier in the season
• Elephant sightings mostly consist of individual bulls and bachelor herds often seen in the vicinity of the camp – a few bulls were seen swimming across the new extensive lagoon in front of the camp. Also several sightings of bulls swimming across the channels seen while guests were out on the delta channels.
• A couple breeding herds that came south out of the mopane woodland was seen as well.
• Several herds of buffalo were seen – often with lions nearly – the largest herd was c.500 strong – most of them numbering about 200.
• General game including warthogs, zebra, tsessebe, impala, kudu, sable, wildebeest,  red lechwe, giraffe, baboons, vervet monkeys, and various mongoose species.
• Night sightings include African wild cats, servals (one with its kitten), Selous mongoose, civets, genets, an aardvark, honey badgers, lots of springhares and one Aardwolf!
• Other interesting sightings include various frog and snake species including mole snake and a mamba, yellow-billed storks, marabou’s and sacred ibis @ the heronry, a long-crested eagle, martial eagle, wattled cranes, ground hornbills, slaty and black egrets, pelicans and 3 different Ibis species
  

Lebala  camp

• A pair of male lions and 2 lionesses were found feeding on a wildebeest. Another pride was found feeding on an impala.
• The four lionesses with Lebala at the core of their territory were seen killing a buffalo calf on Lechwe Island
• A pair of lionesses (one with a collar) found on Tsessebe Island managed to isolate and kill a buffalo calf – they later lost their kill to hyenas.
• A single lioness was followed hunting on her own – she also managed to kill a buffalo calf and ended up sharing her kill feeding at the same time as a couple of hyenas. She was followed for several days hunting, tailed by a male lion. She chased after some warthogs but was unsuccessful.
• A nomadic pair of adult male lions were seen ranging all over the concession – they were found sharing a wildebeest kill with a lioness.
• A young male lion was followed hunting buffalo for 3 days with no success.
• An adult male and and adult female leopard were sighted in camp while the guests were having dinner – guests hopped on the vehicle and followed them for a while.
• A large male leopard was seen swimming across a channel onto an island.
• A shy leopard was sighted trying to hunt impala from the top of a termite mound, a couple of other leopards were seen and followed hunting and patrolling their territories.
• An adult female cheetah was followed for a few days before guests saw her stalk and kill an impala
• A pair of male cheetah have been seen regularly north of the camp over the last couple of weeks.
• An adult female cheetah was found on a termite mound in the early morning – as it warmed up she started hunting and killed an adult male impala but was robbed by hyenas.
• A pair of wild dogs were followed hunting for a whole day without success
• Large breeding herds of elephants have been seen throughout the Lebala concession both day and night – seen daily crossing the floodplains to the river – very young calves in attendance as well as small bachelor herds following females in oestrus.
• Large herds of buffalo spread all over the concession – largest estimated @ 1500 strong – moving between the river and the floodplains daily.
• General game has been good with good numbers of Red lechwe, impala, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe and tsessebe. Also seen were reedbuck, kudu, steenbuck as well as roan antelope
• Night sightings include good serval viewing, hyenas which relieved a pair of lionesses of their kill, both jackal species, caracal, aardvark, civets, African wild cat and honey badgers
• Various snakes were seen including a large python at a water-hole, also mambas, cobras, a grass snake.
• Bird sightings have also been good – huge flocks of queleas seen moving to and from water morning and late afternoon – the carmine bee-eater colony is active.
  

• Two lionesses and a sub-adult lion were found resting – they were joined by a pair of adult male lions that chased the youngster off, one of the males then mated with one of the lioness! Another pair of male lions was found harassing a buffalo herd – they were later seen pulling down a buffalo cow
• A pride of 8 lions were found stalking a herd of buffalo, a young male lion and two lionesses killed a buffalo calf while another pride was found hunting impala in the camp.
• Three black-maned lions were found feeding on a buffalo together with six lionesses
• Guests watched a pride of 6 hunts and kill a buffalo. A lioness was found feeding on a tsessebe, and a male lions were found feeding on a lechwe they had presumably robbed from a lioness who was still trying to snatch a few bites.
• A couple of different leopard sightings including a female with her 2 one-month old cubs – she was later found with just one cub and the guides found plenty of hyena tracks in the area – she later killed an impala and had dragged it into some thick brush to feed – this pair are seen regularly now
• A coalition of three male cheetah were found hunting but were not seen making a kill – they were found later resting in the shade with full bellies
• Guides found a female cheetah with 3 very young cubs – they later saw her feeding on an impala
• Guests had a short sighting of a pack of 3 wild dogs hunting in the Splash Hippo pools area
• Most elephant sightings are single and bachelor herds – bull often seen in and around the camp as well as seen crossing the channels by guests out on the boats – one breeding herd was seen feeding on the floodplains.
• Several herds of buffalo were seen – averaging at around 300ea – guests witnesses both fighting and mating activity in the herds.
• Other interesting sightings include puff-adders, (one removed from the camp area), a couple of python sightings as well as many excellent bird sightings including plenty of storks and egrets  – the heronry is active and providing excellent photographic opportunities, and a flock of “thousands” of white-faced ducks inhabiting the lagoon in front of the camp
• The general game good especially on the recently burnt floodplains, and include giraffe, impala, tsessebe, kudu, lechwe, some zebra, warthogs  as well a troops of baboons with numerous youngsters.
• Night sightings include both jackal species, hyenas, African wild cats, servals, small-spotted genets, porcupines, aardvarks, lots of springhares, honey-badger, bat-eared foxes, civets

July 2006

Lagoon camp

• The Lagoon Pride pride (currently made up by 4 lionesses and a young male) has been spending a bit of time further north.
• They returned south and killed a buffalo and few for a few days, and were subsequently seen closer to the camp for several days
• A couple of nomadic male lions have been seen in the area, one of them was mating with a collared lioness. They were later seen hunting buffalo in the mopane woodland.
• A pair of male cheetah were seen south of the camp at Water-cut where they appear to have taken up residence over the last few weeks – in excellent shape successfully preying on the smaller antelope that rely on the floodplains and the water supply in that area.
• An adult female cheetah and her litter were found on the floodplains south of the camp and appeared to be making their way slowly northwards.
• The Lagoon pack of 3 adults and 3 year-old youngsters have been seen frequently hunting and killing impala – the Alpha female was heavily pregnant. The pack seemed to vanish sometime during the last week, and the guides suspect they have denned in the area somewhere – probably deep into the mopane woodland as they did last year.
• Good numbers of elephants in decent sized herds inundating the woodlands and floodplains with excellent sightings as usual to be had from the deck overhanging the lagoon.
• Herds of buffalo are widespread both north and south of the camp moving to and from the river daily, lots of activity - mating, fighting, and a birth was seen as well.
• Birding – good winter species still seen –secretary birds, several egrets species, Egyptian, spur-winged and pygmy geese, and various large raptors.
• General game has been excellent – giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, impala, kudu, steenbuck, impala, reedbuck, baboons and vervets.
• Night sightings include several porcupines, genets, honey badgers, serval, African wild cats, caracal, as well as both jackal species and hyenas.
  

Kwara camp

• A pride of five – 4 lionesses and an adult male killed an adult male buffalo and was viewed by guests for several days from the boat on the Delta cruise.
• A couple of nomadic male lions seen as well resting on a termite mound.
• A pair of lionesses and their 3 cubs were seen feeding at an elephant carcass .
• 2 male lions killed  a buffalo at the boat station – an excellent sighting had by all.
• A young reedbuck was killed by a leopard, another relaxed leopard was found and viewed for some time
• A shy adult female leopard was seen – she appeared to be lactating
• A pair of adult male cheetah were found and followed – they killed an adult impala. They were subsequently seen for most of the past 3 weeks moving up and down hunting across the floodplains.
• A pack of 3 adult wild dogs were found at their den with 8 puppies  - they relocated their den a few days later.
• A couple of small breeding herds of elephants were seen in the Kwara area – most elephant sightings however have been bachelor herds throughout the area as well as moving through the camps. A herd of seven bulls was seen swimming across the channel
• A couple of bachelor herds of buffalo as well as a herd of about 150 seen close to the camp
• Smaller game sightings include serval, civet, springhares, genets, various mongoose species (including Selous mongoose), both side-striped and black-backed jackals
• General game – lots of zebra and tsessebe, a herd of 16 sable, small herds of wildebeest, as well as giraffe, impala, reedbuck, waterbuck and lechwe as well as the usual groups of hippo in front of the camp and along the delta waterways.
• Birds seen – Ground hornbill, wattled cranes, brown snake eagle and various other raptors active due to the abundance of rodents.
• Also unusual sightings of an African rock python swimming as well as a brown water snake seen from the boat on the cruise
  

• An adult male lion was found resting in the shade – he had been feeding on a buffalo carcass
• The Lagoon pride came south and spend some time harassing – they were later found feeding on a buffalo
• A pair of male lions were followed several times hunting buffalo.
• A shy lion cub (5 mo old) was seen close to the airstrip
• 4 lionesses and a lion found hunting at half-way pan.
• A very relaxed female leopard was found hunting in the late afternoon – she got a few mice for her troubles.
• A relaxed and very large adult male leopard was found relaxing in the shade – he was seen over a period of several days (and at night).
• A couple of other leopards were seen  - some of which were quite shy.
• 2 adult male cheetahs were found resting in the morning sun – they were followed hunting in the afternoon.
• Good numbers of elephants seen daily - mostly in large breeding herds up to 200 strong moving across the floodplains from the woodlands.
• Herds of buffalo seen – the largest of about 1,500 seen on most game drives moving between the floodplains, the river and the woodlands.
• The general game still good including wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, a herd of about 20 sable antelope, kudu, impala, warthogs, waterbuck, lechwe, reedbuck.
• Smaller game including porcupines, honey-badgers, Selous, slender and yellow mongooses, genets, African wild cats, serval, civets – a highlight was an African wild cat and her litter of kittens
• Hyenas and jackals seen hunting and patrolling most night drives – a clan of hyena pulled down an adult buffalo 5 min from the camp.
• Excellent bird sightings – Kori bustard, southern ground hornbills, secretary birds, long-crested eagle, African hawk eagles and other various raptors – large numbers of queleas, and good viewing of water-fowl along the edges of the floodplains.
  

• 2 male lions and a lioness were found feeding on an elephant carcass – the female appeared to be coming into estrus. They were later joined by another lioness with cubs 4-5 months old
• A pair of lionesses and a young male killed a warthog close to the boat station, and were seen in the area for several days thereafter.
• 2 male lions were followed for a couple of days, on day 3 they killed a buffalo but were chased off by another 2 males who took over the carcass
• A female leopard was found resting and then and followed hunting for a couple of hours.
• 3 cheetah – a pair of males and a female were found resting – they were well-fed
• Three male cheetah were found resting on a mound, and were found later having just fed on an impala.
• A bachelor herd of elephant was seen crossing the vlei area in front of the camp – a few other bachelor herds were seen in the area on game drive and from the boat.
• 2 big buffalo bulls were seen lying on the lagoon bank in front of the camp. A small herd of buffalo about 150 strong – mixed males and females were seen close to the airstrip for several days.
• Night drives yielded lots of hyenas patrolling their territory, black-backed jackal foraging, side-striped jackals, several genets including a large spotted genet feeding on a mouse, a civet feeding on a mouse, serval, African wild cat and porcupines.
• General game included sable antelope, giraffe, impala, warthogs, reedbuck, kudu, zebra, tsessebe and steenbuck as well as slender and dwarf mongooses, scrub hares, springhares and baboons.

June 2006

Lagoon camp

• A shy pair of lionesses (one with a radio collar) seen several times - mostly resting – they later hunted and killed a young buffalo
• The two dominant male lions (one blind in one eye) have been displaced by a pair of large black-maned lions which were followed hunting buffalo. They were later found feeding on a giraffe.
• A pride of four lionesses was followed hunting buffalo in the Water-cut area without success
• Last week the Lagoon pride moved back into their old hunting grounds – they hunted and killed a buffalo. They later killed another buffalo further south. A few days ago they killed yet another buffalo but were chased off by the pair of dominant males, they later went on to kill a buffalo cow which they successfully defended against a clan of hyena.
• A relaxed female leopard was seen around the camp a few times hunting and marking her territory.
• A young male leopard was found resting on a termite mound, initially a little shy but  eventually became very relaxed as he was followed into the night
• A pair of male cheetah were tracked for some time before they were found feeding on a tsessebe. They  were seen regularly around Lagoon.
• A adult female cheetah was found resting in the shade – the had blood around her face but looked hungry – guides suspect she lost her kill to another predator.
• The Lagoon pack of wild dogs (6) were seen almost every day – they were followed hunting on several occasions and were seen catching and eating an impala. The alpha female in the pack seems pregnant.
• Good numbers of elephants both in breeding herds and large bachelor herds are seen throughout the Lagoon area daily, with good numbers coming down to the river close to the camp throughout the day.
• Several herds of buffalo seen throughout the Lagoon area – the largest about 1500 strong. Plenty of lion buffalo interaction as well at bulls fighting
• General game seen include giraffe, zebra, lechwe, waterbuck, impala, reedbuck, tsessebe, wildebeest, kudu, warthogs and hippo
• Night sightings include both species of jackals, hyenas, porcupines, civets, African wild cats, honey badgers (one feeding on a bird), a couple of caracals and servals, genets. Also seen at night were several different owl species and chameleons
• Bird-viewing still good – several raptors species seen, and the viewing of water-birds along the floodplains, and on the river-cruises good.
  

• A pride of four lionesses, and one male were followed hunting at night – they were found the following afternoon feeding on an adult male kudu
• 3 adult male lions with 2 lionesses and three 12 week old cubs were found. One of the lionesses was in heat and one of the males was mating with her.
• 2 lionesses were found, one was feeding on a guinea-fowl, they were later seen swimming across one of the delta channels.
• 2 lionesses and a male were seen from the boat feeding on a buffalo, while a pride of 5 lionesses was followed at night hunting impala.
• A young male leopard was found feeding on a sub-adult baboon, another leopard an adult female was seen at night but lost going into the long grass
• 3 male cheetah were found resting just after sunset – they appeared to have fed.
• A single male cheetah was followed hunting and scent-marking – as the day heated up he lay down in the shade of a tree.
• A single wild dog was found running and calling to locate other pack members.
• A pack of 3 wild dogs with 8 puppies (est. 10 weeks old) were found feeding on a kudu calf. This pack was viewed for some time at the den often seen feeding the youngsters at night as well as hunting. Last week the adults moved their den and have not yet been relocated.
• Several groups of elephant bulls seen – the largest 10 together with a couple of the bulls sparring with each other for dominance.
• One herd of 500 buffalo was seen as well as a smaller herd and a couple of bachelor herds – the small groups of bulls being a bit skittish due to general predator activity.
• General game includes impala, kudu, lechwe, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, warthogs, tsessebe and sable, with good hippo viewing from the camp
• Night sightings include an African wild cat with a mouse in it mouth, (there are large numbers of mice around – lots seen on the road at night), serval, both jackal species, hyenas, aardvark, pangolin, honey badger, and a caracal with its kill (another mouse)
• Other small interesting sightings include a black mamba, puffadder, olive grass snake, Pels fishing owl, giant eagle owl, Long-crested eagle; Osprey, Gymnogene (African harrier hawk); a dwarf mongoose family basking in the sun, several chameleons, and several groups of ground hornbills
  

• A pride of 4 lionesses was seen for some time around week with 2 cubs of about 2 months, The lionesses were seen making a couple of kills, first a buffalo calf and then an adult cow – they lost the second kill to a pair of adult male lions the process of which left the cubs stranded up in a tree.
• Another 3 lionesses killed two zebra foals but lost their kills to hyena. They moved off and were joined by a couple of male lions in hunting a herd of buffalo but despite several attempts over a 2 day period were not successful. The 3 females were later on found on a warthog kill.
• 2 different pairs of male lions were followed hunting buffalo, while another pride of 3 lionesses with a young male were found feeding on another buffalo.
• A relaxed male leopard was found during the day and followed until he laid up for the day
• An adult female and her sub-adult cub were found both feeding on an impala.
• A couple of other relaxed male leopards were found including one very large and well-fed individual
• A pair of male cheetah were followed for about 5 hours – they finally chased and killed a young warthog.
• A well fed female cheetah was found resting at Twin pools, and later the 2 adult males were relocated – they were seen scent-marking and  climbing trees. These 2 males later killed another warthog just south of the camp.
• A pack of 20 wild dogs was found late one morning – in the afternoon they were followed and chased impala without success. The next morning they were followed again and managed to kill an adult female impala. This pack was found again several times last seen late last week resting after a morning hunt.
• Large herds of elephants were seen both north and south of the camp, groups of 400-500 seen regularly crossing the wide floodplains.
• Large buffalo herds seen most game drives numbering around 500 – one herd of 1000 individuals was seen on Waterbuck island
• Night sightings include servals (also a youngster seen), both jackal species, hyena all over the concession harassing both the lions and the wild dogs,  African wild cats, bush babies, genets and chameleons
• General game good: zebra, giraffe, impala, kudu, tsessebe, steenbuck, reedbuck, wildebeest, lechwe, baboons, Vervet monkeys, hippos in and out of the water and several mongoose species including a Selous mongoose.
• Other interesting sightings include  puff-adder, olive grass snake, black mamba, Snouted cobra, African rock python, Kori bustard, wattled cranes, ground hornbills, Bateleur eagles, secretary birds, long-crested eagle, marabous, African hawk eagles and Gymnogene

May 2006

The rains have finished (we think) - last rains were last week. Kwando river water levels very high but the flow has peaked. The  Okavango river flow measured in the panhandle also appears to be very normal and stabilising – the local Geo-hydrologist’s from the Oppenheimer Research Institute prediction for the delta is that the flood will be above average because of saturated groundwater in the delta.

Lagoon camp

• Two pairs of mating lions found.  One lioness was very shy, running & hiding with the male pushing her.  The other lioness (with a radio collar) was more relaxed and was mounted 5 times in an hour.
• One male lion (with a bad left eye) found on a wildebeest kill, where he stayed for 3 days, only leaving it briefly to drink.
• A male lion was found at Zebra pan, heading north, while 2 lionesses and 2 males were found sleeping just north of water-cut
• A female leopard (in excellent condition) was seen drinking at a waterhole.
• Another female (4 spot) very relaxed was followed marking her territory and hunting
• A male leopard seen resting in the shade at midday, but was quite shy & disappeared back into the bush.
• 2 male cheetah were found at water cut, and then were followed hunting for the next 4 days
• The Lagoon pack of wild dogs have been sleeping around the camp and also hunting in the area.  No kills were seen, but great play activity & grooming behaviour observed. There are still 3 pups that have survived from last years litter of 5 together with the 3 adults.
• Bull elephants seen regularly along the water, with the breeding herds starting to come out of the Mopane woodlands.
• A herd of about 100 buffalo was seen heading towards one of the waterholes.
• Later larger herds were seen all along the Kwando river
• General game – some zebra, lots of impala, tsessebe, baboons, giraffe, and wildebeest as well as reedbuck, steenbuck, warthogs, red lechwe roan antelope and kudu
• Banded, Dwarf and slender mongooses all seen.
• Common Night Adder seen in the area & lots of other snake tracks.  Also  a couple of pythons were seen, one of which was being fed on by vultures.
• Martial Eagle, Gymnogene (lots of other eagles) & Wattled Cranes seen.
• Night sightings include hyena feeding on giraffe carcass (possibly killed by hyena), genets, serval, 3 porcupines and 4 honey badgers, side striped & black-backed jackals as well as regular African Wild Cat sightings.
• Damara Mole Rat seen outside its burrow. This is not very common.
• Also saw Tropical Platanna (frog) walking along the road.
  

• A pride of 4 lioness & 1 young male were seen trying to hunt giraffe, but were unsuccessful.  This pride was seen a number of times resting up.
• Another pride of 8 (5 males, 3 females) also seen resting.
• One young male and a lioness were found sleeping and then followed as they tried to relocate the rest of the pride.
• An very well-fed and relaxed adult female leopard was found sleeping in a tree – guides at Kwara suspect she may have lost her cubs that were last soon 2 months ago
• A single wild dog was seen from one of the boats out on the river
• Four bachelor herds of elephant have been seen within the camp, including 5 individual bulls. They are sighted in and around the camp on a daily basis
• A large breeding herd of at least 100 individuals was seen and followed along Tsum Tsum plains
• A couple of rather skittish buffalo bulls was seen – they will form into larger groups as the season dries out.
• Night sightings have included hyena in the camp and side striped jackal as well as many chameleons.
• A serval & 2 African wild cats seen as well as a genet hunting.
• General game –  giraffe, tsessebe, waterbuck, kudu, warthogs, baboons, Vervet monkeys, steenbuck, reedbuck, lechwe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo and crocodiles
• The impala mating or rutting season is in full swing and providing plenty of excitement.
• Also seen – Wattled cranes, ground hornbills, Martial eagles, Brown snake eagle, Red-necked falcon, Gabar goshawk, black egrets, Giant eagle & Scops owls. Striped cuckoo, woodland kingfishers & black coucals still around as well as plenty of waterbirds
  

• This has been a fantastic week with the lions with the two big brothers (male lions) mating, which caused a split in the pride. One of the males spent a while feeding on a Lechwe ram.  The previous day they were observed hunting warthogs.
• Three lionesses killed an impala ram and guests watched until the carcass was finished.  The following morning they were chasing hyenas.
• Also, another pride of 7 lionesses seen sleeping on the road, a single lioness feeding on a warthog north of Motswiri pan – several other lion sightings as well
• Very relaxed adult male leopard found hunting red lechwe in a swampy area.
• Another relaxed male leopard killed an impala and was feeding on it close to where the lioness was feeding on the warthog
• A young male also seen along the Main Road, very relaxed, a male and female leopard were found together and followed for some time
• Leopard with  a limp followed along the river road, hunting spring hares & mice.
• Tracks of cheetah found at Half-way pan, there were found feeding on a warthog – seen again later in the week.
• Few sightings of the wild dogs chasing impala around the Twin Pools area.
• Wild dogs have been displaced by all the lion activity this week.
• A lot of breeding herds of elephant have arrived this week, even numbers increasing in the camp area at night.
• 2 herds of 100 buffalo seen near johns pan seen daily
• Night sightings – 6 lionesses & 6 hyena seen feeding on the same young wildebeest carcass, hyena were also seen feeding on an elephant carcass, a lot of chameleons, both species of jackal, also 8 hyena on giraffe carcass, serval hunting, African wild cat
• Several different mongoose species seen – yellow, banded, dwarf, and slender
• Excellent water-bird species around the drying up pans also frequent ostrich sightings
• A 3 meter python was seen basking in the sun at Nare pan, also black mamba seen
  

April 2006

 Lagoon camp

• A Pride of 6 lionesses and a adult male was tracked and found sleeping in the late morning with full bellies.
• The same pride was then followed hunting on several occasions without success.
• A pride of 2 adult males was seen around the camp for a couple of days.
• A leopard was calling in and around the camp several nights in a row – lots of tracks but she was not found.
• A pair of adult male cheetah were found after quite some tracking – they were seen over a period of a week, last seen resting in the shade with full bellies
• The Lagoon pack of wild dogs still being seen regularly – most often close to the airstrip – there are still 4 pups left from the original 5 in the litter
• With the pans drying up more breeding herds of elephants are starting to come down to the river during the day – especially to the favourite bathing area in front of the camp, good elephant sightings throughout the concession
• A couple of buffalo bulls were seen but made their way off rapidly in the long grass
• General game – some zebra, lots of impala, tsessebe, baboons, giraffe, and wildebeest as well as reedbuck, steenbuck, warthogs, red lechwe roan antelope and kudu
• Banded, Dwarf and slender mongooses all seen
• Night sightings include hyena, genets, jackals hunting, serval, caracal, African wild cats, white faced, pearl-spotted and giant eagle owls and springhares
• Water levels are the highest on the Kwando River in 7 years – water lapping at the bottom of the jetty.
  

Kwara camp

• A pride of 5 young males and 6 lionesses seen a couple of times resting and hunting – this pride later split up and only 5 of them were found
• A shy young female leopard was seen briefly before moving into the long grass.
• A relaxed adult male leopard was seen having taken his kill – a young warthog up into a tree where he was feeding.
• An adult female cheetah would found resting in the shade – she was well fed and was seen around the same area for a few days
• Elephant sightings – mostly bulls that are feeding around the marula trees on the fallen fruit, the groups of elephant bulls still frequenting the water-hole on front of the camp.
• Night sightings have yielded hyena and jackal sightings (both species) as well as African wild cat with kittens, serval a couple of times, genets, as well as various owl species and several chameleons.
• General game – sable, tsessebe, zebra, impala, warthogs, giraffe, baboons and plenty of hippo in the pool in front of the camp
• Also seen – ground hornbills, wattled cranes, black-crowned night-heron, black and slaty egrets, guttural toads, and several different different snake species.
• Water-bird sightings still excellent – the water levels around the camp high, and all the mopane bridges throughout the concession in daily use to access flooded areas
  

Lebala  camp

• A mating pair of lions at Nyari pan
• A pride of 4 lionesses found sleeping at Skimmer pan – they hunted in the evening, chased giraffe a few times without success.
• A male lion was found feeding on a tsessebe.
• A pride of 7 lionesses found sleeping under a baobab – the were seen several times and followed hunting without success
• A male lion was found feeding on the carcass of an elephant bull - an adult male leopard was also seen feeding there (when the lion was not around)
• An adult male leopard found at Twin pools, a relaxed adult female with a cub also seen in the vicinity
• A relaxed young male leopard was followed marking his territory at Skimmer pan, a shy female was seen there as well – she was seen hunting lechwe early one morning as well
• A pack of 20 wild dogs (with a few hyena in attendance) was found, and then followed hunting – they killed and ate a steenbuck – the next morning they killed an adult female kudu but were robbed by hyenas.
• Lots of bachelor herds of elephants seen along the floodplains – breeding herds also seen in increasing numbers
• Night sightings – a clan of hyena feeding on an elephant carcass, also seen – jackal – both species, civet, genets, porcupine, African wild cat, striped polecat, honey badger, spring-hares, bush babies and chameleons
• Several different mongoose species seen – yellow, banded, dwarf, and slender
• Excellent water-bird and raptor sightings as well as several different snake species
• Water levels are the highest on the Kwando River in 7 years – Lebala Camp is an island
  

March 2006

Lagoon camp

• 2 adult males lions we found resting – they were well fed, while a lioness was seen moving through the camp – she appears to be lactating but no cub tracks found yet
• In several more sightings the 2 males were found hunting actively with 2 lionesses
• The Lagoon pride was also found hunting – 4 adult lionesses and a young male together
• A 3:4 spot pattern adult female leopard was found at Tsessebe pan – she was very relaxed and was followed for some time
• An adult female cheetah was found together with a sub-adult male – they were followed hunting during subsequent game-drives for over a week but were not seen making a kill
• Wild dogs – the Lagoon pack now consisting of one adult female, two adult males and are now down from five to four 6 month-old pups were seen for weeks on end around the Lagoon airstrip, and were followed hunting. They were seen hunting successfully an impala, and the pups fed well.
• Hyenas seen frequently at dusk and dawn, also during the night drives
• Good numbers of both bachelor herds and breeding herds of elephants seen daily in the mopane and riverine forests as well as feeding on the floodplains – seen often coming down to the river to bathe in front of camp
• General game good considering the rains – sightings of roan, giraffe, impala, reedbuck, impala, zebra, waterbuck, wildebeest and kudu as well as lots of baboons
• Smaller game seen includes bush-babies, African wild cats, several species of mongooses, genets, springhares, both jackal species, honey badger, as well as many different frog and snakes species and  flap-necked chameleons
  

Kwara camp

• A pride of 10 lions was seen several times, as well as 3 young males and a lioness at the 2nd bridge, a mating pair at 4-rivers, and 2 adult males close to the camp.
• The large pride of 10 was later found sleeping (mostly in trees), and then moving off and hunting tsessebe, the 3 young males were found feeding on a giraffe that they has killed.
• A very relaxed female leopard was found sleeping in a tree – she later came down and was followed hunting. A shy male was seen as well and followed from a distance. Later another adult female was found resting in a tree, she then started hunting impala but was not successful.
• An adult male cheetah was found resting on a termite mound – he was well fed and spend the rest of the day sleeping.
• A breeding herd of elephants was encountered in the mopane forest at night – they were a little nervous. Several small groups of bachelors seen throughout the concession, as well as small groups of bulls that are seen daily around the (large) growing lake in front of the camp
• Small groups of hyenas have been seen hunting most evenings, also seen both species of jackals (one seen hunting impala lambs)
• Plenty of hippo around, in and out of the water during the day
• General game good – red lechwe, impala, giraffe, tsessebe, kudu, reedbuck, wildebeest, zebra as well as a sable antelope giving birth!
• Night drives yielded several sightings of African wild cat (female with 2 kittens), large spotted genets as well as a large python in a tree, , a mamba on the road, and plenty of frogs including giant bull-frogs
• Good bird sightings, various storks and egret species, all the kingfisher species, rollers including the broad-billed roller, and great photographic opportunities at the Gudikwe heronry.
  

Lebala  camp

• A pride of 4 lionesses and an adult male (part of the Lebala pride of 14) were followed hunting – they spend some time climbing trees to get a better view of their prey over the tall grasses.
• A pride of 7 lionesses and 2 males were followed for the better part of a week, they were seen hunting and feeding on a wildebeest, a zebra, a giraffe, and were found later also feeding an another wildebeest at Twin pools
• Last week the pride of 7 was found feeding on another wildebeest, 2 very battered male lions were found sleeping.
• After following leopard tracks on several occasions (plenty of late night activity) a shy male leopard was found and followed from a distance, later a shy female leopard was found but she moved off in to the long grass.
• 2 male cheetah were seen at Kubu pan – they were followed hunting for most of the day but were not successful
• The Lagoon pack of wild dogs was also seen – resting in the late morning.
• The Lebala pack of 23 wild dogs was also found north of the camp – also resting
• Good elephant sightings with large breeding herds of elephants were seen in the mixed woodland , with several small bachelor herds seen moving across the floodplains
• Few buffalo seen apart from a couple of bulls wallowing in a pan in the mopane woodland – as the concession dries up the large herds of buffalo will start moving north to the Kwando River again
• Hyenas are seen on almost every night drive as well as both jackal species.
• Other night sightings include African wild cats, porcupine (also a porcupine having a confrontation, with a warthog over ownership of a burrow), honey badgers, various frog species (giant bullfrogs as well), and flap-necked chameleons
• General game includes zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, warthogs, impala, kudu, lechwe, steenbuck, reedbuck, waterbuck,, and plenty of hippo
• The birding has been exceptional – juvenile bateleurs, heron, egret and stork species, red-winged pratincoles, jacanas, carmine bee-eaters, weaver species, pelicans, wattled cranes, duck and goose species, ostriches, kori bustards, vultures as well as many raptor species
• Several sightings of different snake species – python, olive grass snake, puff-adder, and cobras

February 2006

               Lagoon camp

• The camp re-opened with 2 new rooms doubling as a family unit (inter-leading walkway yet still separate enough to be private), and with a refurbished lounge and dining room.
• 2 male lions were found on the eastern side of the airstrip, and were seen in the vicinity for a couple of days – they met up with a lioness and some mating activity was observed.
• A pair of cheetah were seen south of the camp several times – followed hunting but were not seen making a kill
• A pack of 8 wild dogs were found – the same pack that denned so late at Lagoon camp last year – 3 adults and 5 sub-adults – good news is that all 5 pups seem to have survived.
• Elephant sightings are still good – moving deeper in to the mopane for the good browse and wide-spread water availability – Botswana breeding herds, bachelor herds and solitary bulls.
• The sightings of general game good – including giraffe, impala, reedbuck, zebra, wildebeest, lechwe, and regular sightings of hippos out of the water  in numbers of up to eight in a group
• Night sightings include honey badger, porcupine, hyena, jackal (both species) genet, and African wild cat
• Outstanding birding has been experienced along the river areas especially when viewed from the top of the double-decker boat including lesser jacana, purple gallinule, banded martin, many different bee-eater species, weavers and raptors
  

Kwara camp

• The water levels in front of the camp have risen and spread rapidly - it looks that we will be able to run the Mekoro trips from the front of the camp in the next short while.
• 11 members of the pride of 14 found resting, and then followed hunting into the night.
• Another pride of 5 – 3 lionesses and a sub-adult male and female seem a couple of times – were followed hunting.
• A lion and lioness were found – the lioness was showing signs of oestrus.
• An adult male leopard was found resting in a tree – he was followed hunting and patrolling his territory for some time
• A well-fed adult female leopard was found in a tree where she’s escaped from a hyena that that had stolen her kill – the hyena was seen finishing off the kill below her hissing.
• An adult female cheetah was found and followed hunting for a while but did not make a kill.
• A pack of 3 wild dogs was found hunting around the camp but were not seen making any kills. Guides walking around the camp did notice 2 sites where judging from the bones the dogs appeared to have killed impala.
• A herd of up to 8 elephant bulls a frequenting the water in front of the camp daily.
• Night sightings include hyenas, both species of jackals, genets, African wild cats, serval as well as several sightings of chameleons, African rock pythons, other snakes and many different frog and toad species.
• Lots of excellent bird sightings including raptors - all the summer visitors still in attendance including broad-billed rollers and black coucals – the heronry at Gudikwe still providing excellent photographic opportunities.
  

Lebala  camp

• Numerous of sightings of male lions, in pairs and on their own.
• A single male lion was found feeding on the carcass of an adult giraffe, and was joined by another male – they took turns feeding until heading off south into the mopane forest
• An adult male leopard was found feeding on his kill that was hoisted into a tree.
• Another adult make leopard was found feeding on an impala ram in a leadwood tree.
• A number of other sightings of leopards seen resting and marking their territories.
• A female cheetah and a sub-adult male were tracked and eventually found –they were followed a number of times over the last couple of weeks and were seen killing impala three times.
• A pair of male cheetah were found – initially a bit shy but relaxed and were followed hunting over a 4 day period
• A pack of 20 wild dogs was found late last week – they were followed hunting and chasing through the mopane.
• Good numbers of elephants, both bachelor herds and breeding herds seen throughout the concession, often feeding in the mixed woodlands or moving across the floodplains.
• Very frequent sightings of hyena mostly at night in small and large groups. The matriarch of the Lebala clan appears to have been blinded, and has been seen wondering aimlessly – her condition appears to be deteriorating rapidly.
• General game very good – wildebeest, impala, giraffe, zebra, reedbuck, lechwe, waterbuck, steenbuck, kudu, and whole groups of hippo feeding and sleeping out of the water.
• Night sightings have yielded 3 serval kittens, numerous sighting of both jackal species, as well as African wild cat, striped polecat, aardvark, white-tailed mongoose (lots of other mongoose species seen during the day as well), genets, porcupines, as well as numerous frogs, chameleons, and a couple of sightings of African rock pythons hunting.
• Sightings of summer migrants are excellent – also ostriches, skimmers, wattled cranes, kori and stanleys bustards.

JANUARY 2006

Very good rains this reason so far – possibility of good floods in the delta this winter depending on rains in the latter part of our summer.


               Lagoon camp

• Camp closed from 11 January to 6th February – adding 2 tents and rebuilding central areas.
• Sightings before camp closed include – 4 lionesses followed hunting, a pride of 3 lionesses chased and killed a wildebeest calf, and the Lagoon pride chasing and missing a warthog. An adult male lion was seen close to camp feeding on a warthog.
• A couple of sightings of a relaxed adult male leopard
• A pack of 21 Wild dogs successfully hunting impala and tsessebe over a period of a few days – great interaction with a clan of hyena.
• An herd of 300 elephant spread out along the fringe of the mopane woodland, several small groups of elephant bulls and smaller breeding herds.
• Several sightings of pythons as well as Giant African Bullfrogs mating and fighting – many various frog and toad species, and chameleons at night
• Hyenas seen on most night-drives, also seen – caracal hunting, African wild cats,
• General game good – impala, reedbuck, giraffe, tsessebe, roan, wildebeest, hippo out of the water, sitatunga in the wetlands.
  

Kwara camp

• A pride of 3 males, one of the males was mating with a lioness
• A pride of 5 lionesses was found after trackers heard baboon alarm calls – each lioness was feeding on a baboon.
• A relaxed female leopard was seen with her cubs close to the boat station – she had killed a kudu, and fed for the whole of last week.
• A coalition of 3 male cheetah was followed hunting
• Scattered sightings of elephants throughout the concession, and a group of up to 7 bulls feeding in front of camp daily.
• Both black-backed and side-striped jackals seen regularly on night drives as well as African wild cats practically every night-drive.
• A clan of hyena with 2 x 6 month-old youngsters was seen hunting at night but were not successful.
• General game – giraffe, impala, tsessebe, kudu, lechwe, chacma baboon, vervet monkeys  and zebras
• Birding has been excellent with all the summer visitors in attendance – broad-billed rollers with a youngster, wattled cranes, black-breasted snake eagle, martial eagle, and the heronry is still producing excellent photographic opportunities.
• Other night-sightings – porcupine, serval, a honey-badger mother carrying her youngster in her mouth..
• Also seen – various species of snakes, as well as many different frogs.
  

Lebala  camp

• 2 male lions from the coalition of 3 were found very close to camp – roaring. One of the males was limping very badly though.
• A pride of 4 lionesses were seen a couple of times -they killed 3 baboons close to Twin pools – another 2 shy lionesses were sighted just north of Twin pools as well as another 2 lionesses along Crane rd.
• A relaxed young female leopard was seen a couple of times as well as a shy adult male leopard who was seen a couple of times near old hippo pools – he may have had a kill in the area.
• An adult female cheetah with her sub-adult cub were found feeding on an impala they had killed, and were followed the next day moving slowly north.
• Large breeding herds of elephants seen regularly feeding along the fringes of the woodlands, as well as small groups of bulls moving across the floodplains.
• Night drives yielded many sightings of hyenas, porcupines, African wild cat, serval.
• General game has been good especially along the floodplains.
• Good sightings of different snake and frog species – both very active in the rains
• Also seen – numerous raptor species, African skimmers, Rossy-cheasted longclaw, pratincole species, as well as one group of 7 ostriches with 7 chicks, while another with 3 adults had 33 chicks (whew)

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