Kwando Sichtungen 2009
Monatlich bekommen wir von KWANDO die aktuellen Sichtungen an den Camps übermittelt.
Hier können Sie diese für das Jahr 2009 mitverfolgen:
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - December 2009
Lebala
Two Male Lions have already been sighted killing a Zebra close to halfway pan early this year and they are heard roaring every night from camp.
A large shower on New Years Day has encouraged more and more plains game to congregate close to Lebala and graze on the fresh grasses. Among them Red Lechwe, Tsesebe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala, Zebra, Waterbuck and Reedbuck.
Elephant herds continue to visit the area threading their way in and out of the Mopane forests to the West.
Lagoon
Lucky guests in the last few days have been treated to Wild Dogs hunting around the airstrip area of Lagoon Camp. Eventually they had success in chasing down a young Kudu bull which they killed in shallow water.
In addition, three brother Cheetahs have been seen already in the New Year lying up in some Kalahari Star Apple bushes.
Buffalo herds have been gradually moving north with the rain but the infamous males or ‘Dagga Boys’ are still to be seen on the borders. Giraffe, Zebra and Elephant are a coming sight throughout Lagoons range this early January.
Kwara & Little Kwara
Kwara concession has been pumping these last few days with a full array of predator and prey for all to see. The seven male Lions of Kwara were followed on a night drive over a distance of 5km on a hunt before they disappeared into thick scrub.
Three male Cheetahs were sighted yesterday and the day before on an Impala kill they had made early in the morning by the Shinde Road. A Leopard was also seen on a night drive last night.
There are now up to 80 Hippos in the Lediba (Lagoon) in front of the camp as competition for the deepest water intensifies with the dropping of the flood.
Nxai Pan
Lucky guests early in the year have had the privilege of seeing two Lions successfully hunting a Zebra from the great migration, and feeding with their two cubs. The event took place close to Nxai Camp itself and provided excellent photographic opportunities.
The migration from the Boteti and Khwai Rivers is now in full flow and there are literally thousands of Zebra, Springbok, Giraffe and Gemsbok to be seen.
Tau Pan
A family of Meercats was amongst the highlights of the first week of 2010. The charismatic creatures were on top form as ducked and dived in and out of the ground and played with eachother.
Elsewhere, five Wild Dogs have been sighted on the pan and the two big male Lions of Tau have also been around the water hole.
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - November 2009
Kwara & Little Kwara
Floodwaters in the Okavango have receded and are waiting to be topped up by the incoming rains. The result has been to localise the wildlife around the permanent waters of the Maunichura River and floodplains adjacent to Kwara.
There was a wonderful sighting of a Leopard accompanied by a three month old cub pulling an Impala into a Sausage Tree. Consequently, there were some excellent opportunities for photos over the next few days of feeding. Other Leopards have also been spotted close to the camp on return from night driving in the area.
The female Cheetah and four cubs that have become such a favourite in Kwara are active in the western areas towards the Tsum Tsum flood plains. The cubs are now at juvenile size and learning fast from their skilled mother in the arts of hunting and discretion. They can normally be seen stalking Impalas or young antelope or, in the heat of the day, lying in rest under a Kalahari Star Apple.
‘The Seven Boys’ of Kwara are once again making their presence felt in the concession and often split into threes and fours to cover more of their vast territory. No other Lions stand a chance with these males dominating confrontations. We see them hunting Buffalos on the northern fringes of the area close to the Mopane forest and yet they will venture southwards to look for other game such as Lechwe. On one occasion the leftovers of a Giraffe were found as a result of ‘The Seven Boys’.
We have also had some great sightings of less well known species such as Martial’s Eagle, Long Crested Eagle, African Civet, a four metre long African Rock Python, Giant Eagle Owls and of course Crocs and Hippos in the lagoon.
Lagoon
The famous Wild Dogs of Lagoon have been running riot amidst all the newborn antelopes in Lagoon in recent weeks. The Impala calves in particular have been singled out for predation. They are particularly weak in the early days and the Dogs are masters of finding the most vulnerable individuals.
There was a unique sighting of Hyenas pulling down a young Giraffe that had strayed away from its mother recently. A total of seven Hyenas surrounded the youngster and brought it down in front of a safari car. Hyenas are often incorrectly thought of as exclusively scavenging creatures but they supplied ample evidence to the contrary here.
Elsewhere there have been plenty of Lion and Cheetah sightings as well. Small bands of nomadic Males have been spotted in the upper Kwando and three females are often sighted around Half Way Pan area.
General game is excellent once again and very enjoyable game driving at this time of the year with all the new greenery, young antelope and migratory birds in the area.
Lebala
Lebala has been teeming with wildlife all month providing predator interactions rarely seen on such a consistent basis. The sight of Hyenas challenging Wild Dogs on a kill is a frequent occurrence. The clans of Hyenas consistently follow the packs of Wild Dogs in hope of scavenging some of the dog’s hard work.
On another occasion a party of guests and guides came across a stranded Leopard in a tree set upon by three Lionesses who were intent on stealing the freshly predated Impala hanging from an overhead branch. The Lionesses were not particularly enthusiastic on ascending the vertical tree trunk and so eventually lost interest and wandered off. After several minutes the Leopard gingerly climbed down and sped off in the other direction!
Once again we have been spoilt by consistent sightings of the three brother Cheetahs at Lebala and have seen them make two successful kills on an Impala and newly born wildebeest. A large number of Elephants and Buffalos can still be seen in the floodplains although increasing numbers are heading west to the fresh vegetation of the Mopane forests. Plains game is also abundant in all areas explaining the large number of predators in the area. Zebra, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Tsesebe, Impala, Red Lechwe, Waterbuck to name but a few! An interesting sighting took place earlier this month when a game drive game across a 3 metre long Egyptian (Snouted) Cobra that was eating a giant Bull Frog.
Tau Pan
The first big rains have arrived at Tau bringing with them large densities of plains game to graze the fresh grasses that have sprung into life in the area. Water is more readily available and predators are appearing in greater numbers.
Guests at Tau Camp were treated to an array of cat species during the last month. The two resident male Lions were active in the area as well as four Lionesses with a three months old cub at San Pan. Lions will not usually predate porcupines but while tracking this month we discovered signs that they are doing so in the Central Kalahari. Fresh leftovers and surrounding spoor suggest that the Lions are flipping the Porcupines over onto their backs to get to the soft underbelly and avoid the sharp quills protecting the upper body.
On Tau Pan a female Cheetah has taken up residence and is often seen scanning the pan for vulnerable Springboks. The elusive Leopard was seen on more than one occasion in the acacia thickets towards the airstrip.
Nxai Pan
The rain has seen the first Elephant herd back at Nxai Pan in addition to the bachelors that reside in the area. They were seen passing towards the Nxai Camp water hole. During the dry season they leave the area in search of permanent waters for their young.
Additionally, the first returning Zebras of the migration are appearing in the south towards Baines Baobabs and are expected back on the Pan itself within a few weeks.
We are pleased to see that there is a new young Cheetah and mother in the area. They are very mobile and have been seen at different points throughout the area. This indicates that they are very skittish as a reaction to Lion activity in the area and so are reluctant to settle in one place.
A new female Leopard has been sited west of the camp towards the airstrip. She is a small specimen and also very skittish, normally scurrying off into the bush within seconds of being photographed.
Elsewhere, the rare sighting of an African Rock Python was well received by Guide and guest. These giant constrictors are normally associated with the floodplains of the Okavango but lie in semi-hibernation for months after a large meal.
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - October 2009
Kwara & Little Kwara
The hot weather, dead grasses and reduced water levels have combined to create wonderful game viewing in the Kwara area this October. Vast herds of Elephant and Buffalo have been migrating into western areas and countless summer migratory birds have returned such as Paradise Flycatchers, Wahlbergs Eagles and Woodland Kingfishers.
Guests witnessed the unique sight of some Cheetahs defending themselves against a female Lioness on one lucky game drive. Lions are normally too formidable a foe for the speedy Cheetah but the three large brothers of Kwara did not hesitate to defend themselves. One was being chased by the Lioness before the two remaining brothers came from behind and started biting away at her hind legs. They were later seen unharmed and well with full bellies and looking very pleased with themselves.
Kwara’s coalition of seven male Lions have been spotted at various intervals throughout the last few weeks and we have had several exciting Leopard sightings. On one occasion an astonishingly bold Leopard came and rested in the shade cast by safari vehicle on a game drive. Some exciting days have also been spent bush tracking the Wild Dogs that come in and out of the area. They are predating on the large amount of plains game that frequent the area, more especially the nimble Impala’s.
Lagoon
Lagoons reputation as Africa’s premier Wild Dog viewing camp has been underlined once again this month. No fewer that three different packs of Wild Dog have been seen in the concession. Our existing pack of puppies are now hunting with the adults and growing stronger by the day. Clans of Hyenas flank the Dogs in hope of a free meal which is always wonderful to watch when they get a bit close.
Some early rains came as a relief to the parched land and started to fill the pans out in the Mopane woodland. Although some Buffalos and Elephants started to migrate west, the vast majority have remained by the clear waters of the Kwando River to quench their thirst.
Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs remain common sightings in the area. The three brother Cheetahs killed an Impala on the airstrip which was a sight to behold, and our resident Leopard has been seen frequently around the Lagoon Camp area.
Lebala
October has brought stifling heat and extraordinary game viewing to Lebala this month. Lebala itself means ‘open space’ where huge herds of Elephants and Buffalos are now crowding by the permanent river source of the Linyanti Swamps.
Elsewhere, a Leopard was seen killing a young Lechwe and dragging it to safety up an acacia tree where it sat with its meal for two days. Cheetahs are a common site around the area especially if the Lions move somewhere else temporarily.
Lion sightings have been numerous and very entertaining - they are often tracked and found stalking the large Buffalo herds of Lebala. A Black Mamba was also observed raiding a Carmine Bee Eater nest and coming out with a bird which it consumed whole - a very rare and special sighting.
Around the camp, more wonderful sightings have been seen and especially great was when a Martials Eagle pounced onto an unfortunate Water Monitor Lizard and proceeded to have very substantial meal of it over the next days.
Tau Pan
Visitors flying into Tau Pan airstrip last month would have been greeted by the sight of a Leopards leftovers hanging from an acacia tree near the parking lot! A male Leopard killed the Springbok before dragging it up a tree to protect it from nearby scavengers such as Lions.
Our two male Lions are a common sight and have almost adopted Tau Camp in their daily circuit of water, rest and hunt. Lucky visitors enjoying a morning cup of tea will see them casually stroll down to the water hole - drinking their fill and finding a shady spot to sleep under for the day.
The legendary status of the Honey Badger has been maintained in the Kalahari once again in recent weeks. The central Kalahari where Tau Pan is positioned is one of the few places where Honey Badgers are regularly diurnal and can be seen in daylight. One such sighting took place close to a resting Cheetah. As soon as the cat saw the Badgers it sped off swiftly in the opposite direction!
Lots of desert game has remained on the pan during this very hot month of October. Springbok, Oryx, Hartebeest and Giraffes can often be seen from the main deck and rooms of camp.
Nxai Pan
In this driest of months the Nxai Pan waterhole has been teeming with the local wildlife. The unrelenting heat and dust has given the skin of resident bachelor Elephants an orange brown tinge in contrast to the dark greys and blacks of the Okavango and Kwando Elephants.
All eagerly await the impending rains and incoming migration of Zebra and Wildebeest. Some early rains have encouraged fresh grasses but for now the resident predator species have to rely on the last remaining brave antelope species to hunt. Oryx, Springbok, Impala, Ostrich and Eland remain to be harassed by the Lions and Cheetahs. The two brother Cheetahs in particular are a familiar site for guests and have become less shy as the season has gone on. Wild Dog tracks have also been identified on the pan and a resident Leopard has been seen on occasion in and around the camp itself.
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - September 2009
Kwara & Little Kwara
The seven Kwara Lions have been sighted regularly this month all around the concession. At times they break off into threes and fours and patrol different parts of their territory. There preferred diet varies between Tsesebe, Zebra, Buffalo and Wildebeest but they are yet to tackle Elephants as some larger prides have done elsewhere in Botswana.
Another excellent month for Leopards and Cheetahs. A family of Cheetahs with four cubs have been spotted several times recently. The cubs are slowly learning the art of the hunt with mixed success. Two Leopards managed to kill a large male Lechwe close to Charles’ crossing and were eagerly photographed by guests over the following two days.
A pack of five Wild Dogs are occasionally seen near the eastern side of the area and there are plenty of Elephant bulls in and around the camp to keep guests and staff entertained.
For bird lovers -a Long Crested Eagle is often seen on the Maunichira channel bordering Moremi Game Reserve. Elsewhere, Fish Eagles, Saddle Billed Storks and the return of the migratory Carmine Bee-Eaters has added considerable colour to game drives at Kwara.
Tau Pan
Late September has brought us some surprising days of rainfall in the Kalahari. We would usually not expect the rains to start until November but some showers have provided welcome relief to the thirsty animals around Tau.
Our resident Leopard has been seen and heard around the camp on several occasions along with a mating pair of Lions that frequent the Tau water hole. Additionally, we have been having consistent sightings of Brown Hyena in the early mornings lapping up the fresh water in front of camp.
On the Pan itself Cheetahs are still seen from time to time sitting atop of mounds looking for plains game such as Springbok and young Gemsbok or Red Hartebeest that can be seen in the Kalahari.
Nxai Pan
The unexpected rain brought a sprinkling of green to the parched pans towards the end of this month and guests witnessed the joy at which the desert game greets such good fortune. Elephants, Hyenas and Lions were all seen playing and wallowing in the bulging Nxai Pan water hole.
We also had our first sighting of the rare Pangolin since opening Nxai Camp earlier this year - it was thought by guides to have been persuaded to come out of hiding by the early rains which will activate the ants and termites the Pangolin feeds on.
There is a pride of Lions living on the main Nxai Pan that most people have had the fortune to see. Four cubs are with the family which spans three generations.
The two Cheetah brothers are also a common sighting in the area and never give up in harassing the Impala and Springbok populations. One such hunt ended in them taking a Springbok each. The first was swiftly eaten before a clan of Spotted Hyenas, using their usual uncanny ability to sniff out a free meal, chased the brothers away and devoured the second.
Lebala
Lebala has once again been witness to some world-class game viewing this September. All the big cats have been seen on numerous occasions including a now resident male Leopard which is often spotted at night with the spotlight. The Wild Dog puppies have began to hunt and enormous herds of thousands of Buffalo and Elephant are commonly seen passing to and from the floodplains to feed.
As if that wasn’t enough the migrant birds have returned from central and northern Africa to brighten up the place with there breeding plumages. The place is buzzing with life and expectation of the incoming rains.
Lagoon
Lagoon camp is teeming with Elephant and Buffalo herds, which have been attracted by the permanent waters of the Kwando River. One only has to take a drive from the airstrip to the camp to appreciate the density of game in the area at the moment.
For those who have been following the progress of this years Wild Dog puppies there was an exciting spectacle towards the end of the month. The puppies were involved in their first hunt and kill thus completed their transition to full pack members. The pack will now spend the summer hunting far and wide through the Kwando region before the cycle of denning comes round again in May.
Otherwise, a Leopard cub was seen drinking with its mother by Zebra pan and the three brother Cheetah are a regular sighting in the area stalking unfortunate Impala or panting under the shade of a Kalahari Apple Leaf.
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - August 2009
Kwara
World-class game viewing all round this month at Kwara. Every day seems to provide more and more predator sightings. On one such morning two Lions were seen abandoning a Baboon carcass only for an opportunistic Leopard to stealthily creep into view and take the kill up a tree. It is possible that the Lions stole the Baboon from the Leopard in the first place as it is rare for a Lion to catch the primates.
Fifteen Wild Dogs have been moving in and out of the area looking for game - it is likely that they have a den site deep into the Mopane forest well out the way of Lions and Hyenas. The successful Cheetah mother is still going strong with her fast growing four cubs and she has been seen trying to teach them the art of the hunt. At the moment they are still somewhat clumsy and it may be several more months before they are able to successfully hunt for themselves.
Elsewhere, excellent sighting of small mammals such as Honey Badgers and Servals and a whole variety of aquatic birds who are relishing the flood water such as Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane and Saddle-Billed Stalks.
Lagoon
The Lagoon Wild Dog den is providing guests and guide alike some wonderful moments with the nine puppies growing up fast and experimenting in play fighting and early attempts to hunt insects around the den. The adults are still working hard to feed the youngsters and themselves. They are out almost daily to find sufficient food. Towards the end of the month the dogs decided to move the den site closer towards the camp not far from Zebra Pan. The exchange was made quickly and picked up equally as quickly by the excellent Kwando trackers. Another month or so and the youngsters should be ready to start learning to hunt for themselves with the main pack.
Large herds of Buffalos and Elephants are migrating in and out of the area around Lagoon Camp and Kwando Airstrip to find fresh water and relief from the great thirst weather of August.
A young male Lion was spotted with porcupine quills imbedded in his neck from an overbold attack on the giant rodent. He certainly learnt the hard way that the Porcupine defence is not to be taken lightly.
Elsewhere, a fascinating sighting of a African Hawk Eagle killing a Swainsons Francolin was observed. With the giant eagles superb eye sight and soaring power the only defence the Francolin has in cover and on this occasion this was not sought out quickly enough.
Tau
The Tau resident Leopard has been located on several occasions this month and its call is a regular sound as guests drift off to sleep at night. Tau is the Setswana word for Lion and Tau Pan has certainly had its share of the large Cats this month. Some lucky guests were treated to mating Lions for some days close to the camp and even luckier guests got a view of two Lions on foot during a Bushman cultural walk. The Lions just as interested in the people as they were in them but eventually after sniffing the air they strolled off down the hill.
Elsewhere, Cheetahs and Brown Hyenas have been seen on the pan interspersed with large amounts of desert plains game such as Gemsbok, Springbok and Red Hartebeest.
Keen ornithologists have been treated to a great variety of birds in the Tau area in this dry season. Pale Chanting Goshawks, Secretary Birds and Kori Bustards are amongst the favourites regularly seen.
Nxai
Another beautiful month in the Pans has produced some memorable wildlife experiences at Nxai Pan Camp. A solitary tom cat Leopard has been seen wandering in and around the camp at regular intervals. The water hole in front of the swimming pool has been relieving the thirst of such varied animals as bachelor herds of Elephants, large journeys of Giraffes and clans of Hyenas.
On Nxai and Khama Khama Pan the two Cheetah brothers have been seen hunting Springbok while in the woodland it is the Impala that are the food of choice for the rapid predators. Four Lionesses were followed by a party of Nxai guests stalking a Gemsbok but luckily for the desert antelope a close by Impala spotted the giant cats and sounded the alarm call.
Lebala
The three brother Cheetahs that repeat guests will know so well have been spotted several times again this month. On one occasion they were tracked hunting Impala during the day not far from the old airstrip. On another a successful kill was made on the small Steenbok antelope.
Leopards and Lions have also been common visitors to the Lebala area. The two dominant males are often sighted patrolling their territory or lazing under thick-canopied trees.
Huge breeding herds of Elephants are now dominating the Lebala floodplains now that all of the Mopane pans have finally dried up in the forests. The Elephants have migrated to the permanent waters and can often be seen swimming and drinking in the water channels.
Night drives have also produced some interesting sightings - hunting Wild Cats and Servals are often seen stalking close to the floodplains providing wonderful photographic opportunities for guests!
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - July 2009
Kwara
A female Cheetah is in the Kwara area with four cubs. There were originally five in the litter but Kwara guides believe that one was killed by Lions or Hyenas in June. However, the other four are growing big and strong and will soon be ready to learn how to hunt with their mother.
The seven male ‘Lions of Kwara’ were seen feeding on a Hippo only 500 metres from Little Kwara camp. Hippos are usually too large and fierce an animal for Lions to actively pursue but in this case the male coalition is afraid of nothing. Elsewhere, two new male Lion have been seen in the area and a pride of nine females with cubs are on the borders of the Mopane to the north.
Many of our guests here have been fortunate enough to see Wild Dogs and Leopards as well on the same safari. A male Leopard was seen stalking a young Lechwe through the short grass but was unable to catch its prey.
General game is also abundant with Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras and Wildebeest all seen on a regular basis. The elusive Pangolin was also spotted close to Kwara Lagoon to everyone’s surprise.
Lagoon
Nine Wild Dog puppies have been introduced to the world at Lagoon den site. The first brave pups began to appear earlier in the month and we expect them to remain at the den site for well into September until they are strong enough to travel with the pack.
Adults have been returning from hunting only to regurgitate previously swallowed meat for the youngsters to eat. Guests and guides were in a state of panic when Lion tracks were found in the vicinity of the den site. Luckily the cats decided to head away east towards the river and more palatable foods such as the large herds of hundreds of Buffalo in the area.
Elsewhere in the area Lions and Cheetah have been sighted regularly. Three Cheetah brothers have been ruling the roost in the upper Kwando area north of the camp and look in excellent condition.
As if a Wild Dog den was not a big enough treat, visitors to Lagoon are witnessing the extraordinary spectacle of a Hyena den as well!! Three sets of ten cubs are living at a disused termite mound close to Zebra pan guarded by several adult Hyenas and led by the enormous matriarch.
Tau
Game is pumping at Tau Camp this July. Lions, Leopards, Cheetah and Wild Dogs have all been seen around the pan and the camp!
Two male Lions were seen at regular intervals lounging on the pan soaking up the midday winter sun. Wild Dogs are denning in the area and were seen chasing Kudu close by the camp. A remarkably brave Leopard was tracked for almost a kilometre along the cut line before melting away into the bush on the side of the road.
An iconic African moment took place on Tau Pan when a Springbok successfully managed to outrun a Cheetah. The spectacular chase only lasted for a minute but the explosive speed of the Cheetah and bravery and agility of the Springbok was much admired by both staff and guide.
Nxai
Some lucky guests on a morning stroll were treating the extraordinary site of a pride of Lions pulling down a Giraffe not far from Nxai camp. Guests were guided within safe distance of the kill and managed to get some good shots of the giant cats feasting on their prey.
Our two male Cheetahs have been a frequent site recently - often seen stalking the Impala in the woodland or the Springbok on the pans. Nxai Pan is one of only three places in the world where you get the chance to see the similar Springbok and Impala in the same place at the same time.
The beautiful winter evenings have brought wonderful starry nights and fresh mornings with plenty of desert game to be seen. Jackals, Giraffes, Gemsbok, Hartebeest and bull Elephants are a regular site around the camp.
An exceptional Caracal sighting was seen by some Kwando Safaris staff on their way to the camp last week. Usually one of the shyest cats this was a truly unique viewing at close range. The diagnostic large, pointy black ears were clearly visible alongside piercing green emerald eyes.
Lebala
July was a spectacular month for Leopards at Lebala. Three separate individuals have been viewed by some of our top guides. A big male tomcat had a successful Impala kill not far from Lebala camp and a female Leopard was chased off a kill by a hungry Hyena by in the Mopane.
Hyenas have also been scavenging from local Cheetah this month. Two male brother Cheetahs killed a sub-adult Kudu only to see their hard work undone by a number of opportunistic Hyenas.
Lots of Elephant herds are being seen on the floodplains now that the pans have dried up in the Mopane and vast herds of Buffalo have been photographed migrating through the woodlands.
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - June 2009
Kwara
Afternoon siesta was interrupted one day this month by the deafening sounds of Lions roaring close to Kwara camp. As guests clambered onto the game drive vehicles the sounds came ever closer until four Lionesses appeared being chased by five others. The first four are well known in Kwara as ‘One Eyes Pride’. The second group are newcomers and were evidently successful in chasing establishing themselves in the area.
Guests and camp staff alike watched in amazement as the lionesses swam across the lagoon in front of camp to safety.
Lagoon
Guide and guests in the search for the Wild Dog den site at Lagoon had a successful month. The site was identified close to the airstrip and the heavily pregnant female is deep inside the hide before the impending birth. Other members of the pack stand sentry outside the entrance providing wonderful game viewing for expectant guests.
Some guests keen to try their hand at fishing have had a successful first attempt off the jeti at Lagoon camp, A huge 6kg Catfish was caught along with two delicious Southern Mouth Brooder Breams!
Tau
The local Tau pack of Wild Dogs got more than they bargained for this June when they made the mistake of igniting the anger of the legendary Honey Badger. These ferocious little omnivores may not look like much but tales of their bravery are stuff of bush mythology.
Seven of the dogs were spotted attacking the badger by some aghast guests along with their guide. To their amazement the little badger more than held its own and sent the seven dogs packing with a toxic secretion from its anal glands!
Elsewhere, Lions and Leopards have been seen on the Pan and close to the Tau waterhole. Cheetahs have been seen hunting Springbok on the Pan and a large herd of Eland antelope was seen on the road to Deception Valley.
Nxai
The Bushman walks have proved especially productive this month with the stark winter landscape and cooler whether providing perfect conditions to take a morning stroll and learn about the culture of these extraordinary people.
Nxai is attracting all manor of beasts to its refreshing waterhole. Giraffes, Elephants, Gemsbok, Impala, Springbok and Wildebeest have been seen this month along with a wonderful sighting of a Cheetah. Guests enjoying the midday sun on the deck first noticed the speedy cats cautiously approaching through the acacia trees. Gradually they grew in confidence until they were able to lap up the cool water and drink their fill. A wonderful sighting for the new camp!
Lebala
The extraordinary site of a Pangolin greeted some surprised guests in June at Lebala. The armoured anteater was spotted not even a kilometre of the camp itself. These animals practice myrmecophagy meaning that they feed exclusively on a specific species (in this case ants and termites).
Cat lovers have been treated to an exhibition in hunting by the three big species. Cheetahs have been sighted in a failed attempt to kill a Kuda, Leopard have been caught with a hunted Impala in a tree and four female Lions made a successful kill on a Zebra in the woodlands.
Elsewhere, an interesting moment for environmentalists elapsed in June. The Selinda Spillway, which sources from the main Okavango River at Seronga, finally joined the Linyanti River close to Lebala. What this means is that after a gap of some years the aquatic systems of the Okavango and the greater Zambezi River can again merge and the gene pools of species such as the Crocodile and the Tiger Fish can again combine.
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - May 2009
Kwara
Kwara is home to a new Leopard cub after a month old animal was spotted with its mother several times over the last few weeks. The pair are still understandably shy and defensive but lucky guests at Kwara have still managed to get some spectacular shots of our newest addition.
The rising flood water into Kwara lagoon has reached almost all the way up to the fireplace enabling guests a close up view of wallowing Hippos and basking Crocodiles.
An abundance of plains game is congregating in the area now that the distant pans have dried up. Zebras, Buffalos, Impalas and returning Elephants have all been observed by the camp.
Lagoon
The Lagoon pack of fifteen Wild Dogs has been a regular site again this month. The female is heavily pregnant and expected to give birth some time late in June or early July. The search for the den site continues into June.
A fortuitous sighting of a caracal was recorded close to Johns Pan while on a night drive an African Civet was seen hunting a feeding on a millipede.
May has also been a productive month for Cheetah sightings. Three brothers who are resident in the area were followed and they managed to kill a sub adult Impala.
Tau
A very interesting conflict was witnessed recently at Tau Camp. A Brown Hyena was found with a Jackal in its mouth close to Tau Pan. It is unclear whether the Jackal was killed by the Hyena or if it died by some other cause.
Elsewhere, four Lionesses led a successful hunt on a Gemsbok (Oryx) close to the camp which was witnessed by some lucky guests. The rare Cape Fox was also seen. This tiny omnivore is roughly the size of a cat and is endemic to the Kalahari of Southern Africa. In Botswana it can only be seen in the Central Kalahari where Tau is situated.
As winter kicks in the Kalahari has been transformed into a golden paradise as the old grass has faded for the year. Water has dried out in most areas leaving a stark landscape occupied by only the most hardy desert animals.
Nxai
An extraordinary few days of late rain has given new life to the pans giving resident Elephants, Springbok, Wildebeest and predators welcome relief from the draught. Zebras have been sited leaving the Boteti River and heading back out into the pans - almost unheard of at this time of the year.
Two cheetah brothers have been a regular site on the main Nxai Pan. They are consistently stalking Impalas and Springboks. The quiet winter nights are disturbed only by calling Hyenas and ‘the cry of the Kalahari’ Jackals.
Botswana’s biggest eagle - the Martial’s Eagle killed a Red Billed Francolin and proceeded to prey on it on a tree close to the swimming pool at the camp.
Lebala
This May we have found two packs of Wild Dogs in the area. The first, numbering seven, were hunting Impala south of the airstrip but missed and failed. The second was a group of twelve animals that were seen at various intervals throughout the area. Both groups seem well fed and females are pregnant.
Elephants have been returning in large numbers to the permanent Kwando channel by Lebala from the backcountry and Mopane woodland now that the pans have dried up.
Breeding herds and bachelor groups are a common site in and around the camp.
Some interesting Lion Hyena interaction took place on the floodplains when a Lioness was spotted running away from three Hyenas one evening.
Hundreds of Buffalos have moved through Lebala mating and mud bathing as they go followed by countless Cattle Egrets and Oxpeckers.
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - April 2009
Excitement has mounted this month with incoming flood water trickling its way into the floodplains of western Kwara concession. The water will continue to rise and we are expecting the flood to arrive at Kwara some time in late May.
With the coming of the annual floodwater will be the customary migration of various bird species to feed on the newly arrived fish and insects and thirsty mammals arriving from the surrounding desert.
Kwara
Guests and guides alike were treated to a sighting of the seven male Lions of Kwara this month. The incredible coalition were seen feeding on a Giraffe kill they had made earlier that week. It is rare to see all seven Lions together as one or more often split off from the main group. If you want to know more about this record breaking group there is an article about them in the March edition of Africa Geographic.
A female cheetah in Kwara is having a very successful spell as mother to five cubs. There is a high mortality rate in young cheetahs but these siblings were sighted throughout April and are growing stronger by the day.
Elsewhere, a huge African Rock Python was seen on an island close to Kwara - larger specimens are very rare indeed and this one could quite easily ambush a small antelope such as a Steenbok or Impala.
A pack of fifteen Wild Dogs was seen close to an abandoned Bat-Eared Fox den and herds of Buffalo have moved back into the area with the coming of the floods.
Lagoon
Lagoons famous Wild Dogs have been active over the last few months with several exciting sightings for guests staying at the camp. The pack was seen hunting Impala close by the cut line and one of the females is pregnant. Denning should commence in May and we are determined to find it and await the new pubs.
Huge herds of Buffalo are migrating back into the floodplain areas as the Mopane pans dry up. Following them, as always, are Lions. A pride of Lions that disappeared five months ago has settled back in the area and we have had plenty of sightings of them.
An interesting sighting was a male Leopard who was also seen feeding on a Buffalo. Buffalo is not usually prey for a Leopard who prefer smaller antelope such as Impala or young Wildebeest.
Tau
One of our guides had an interesting wake up call this month when he stumbled across a Leopard by the kitchen one morning. To the relief of all the Leopard was equally as surprised and ran off!
Tau provides a perfect landscape for Cheetah and they have been in abundance this month close by the camp. The open plains provide the cats with excellent views for scanning for prey which in this area is more often that not the nimble Springbok.
We have had excellent sightings of iconic desert animals such as the Gemsbok, Brown Hyena and Red Hartebeest making Tau a truly unique safari experience.
Nxai
Lions have been in abundance this month at Nxai Pan. A male and female were seen mating close to our waterhole and guests have been treated to a series of territorial displays by resident males. Roaring in the mornings and evenings along with urine spraying and testing on bushes are fine examples of territorial behaviour.
The waterhole has also been visited by Elephant Bulls recently providing a photographic spectacle for guests in camp. Some individuals are in musth meaning they have extra levels of testosterone and become aggressive towards rivals and members of other species. Giraffes and even Doves have been chased away by these aggressive individuals.
Elsewhere, we have had good sightings of the charismatic Honey Badger and the elusive Bat-Eared Foxes and two male Cheetahs were sighted close to the historic Baines Baobabs.
Lebala
Some extraordinary game viewing has been seen in Kwandos Lebala camp this month. Lions, Cheetahs and Leopard have all been consistently seen. However, our Wild Dogs sightings have been extra special this month. Females are now pregnant ahead of next months projected denning season starting but that hasn’t stopped the dogs hunting at their usual extraordinary speed. Guests have been treated to a successful Impala kill west of the camp in which the skilled hunters ambushed the young antelope in some open woodland.
A group of Lebala guests were delayed going to their tents one evening. However, it wasn’t housekeeping that was to blame but a breeding herd of Elephants that were feeding throughout the camp. All ended peacefully though as the Elephants bypassed the swimming pool and decided to drink from the river instead!
Sightings Report Kwando Safaris - March 2009
Kwara and Little Kwara
A truly once in a lifetime sighting occurred in the Kwara concession this month leaving guests and guides alike speechless. A female cheetah and her five cubs were spotted feeding on a recently killed impala. Several minutes later as the guests sat quietly observing the cheetah, a young kudu appeared no more than fifty metres away pursued by a pack of six wild dog. The kudu was quickly pulled down by the alpha male who called to the rest of the pack to feed. Very shortly after while the dogs were feeding, a much larger pack of fifteen dogs, no doubt attracted by the calls of the alpha male, arrived at speed and instantly attacked one of the smaller pack members. In less than two minutes and literally within metres of the vehicles the fifteen dogs literally pulled the individual to pieces! At no point in this real time wildlife documentary did the guests have to move, the entire drama unfolded before their eyes! And meanwhile on the edge of this chaotic scene, a calm mother cheetah quietly leads her young away to a safe hiding place!
There was a happy ending to this uniquely brutal sighting though. The following day our guides observed a male lion in the area actively searching for the cheetah cubs as they are prone to do. It appears that, as the lion neared the area where the cheetah were hidden, he was distracted as he came across the carcass of the wild dog and subsequently moved away from the area. Interestingly the carcass of the dog was not touched by any scavenging mammals or vultures.
Lebala
Another fascinating month in our so called ‘green season!’ Our guides report regular sightings of both lion and leopard. All predators are in excellent condition at the moment with the abundance of prey species. Cheetah have been sighted often, including two males feeding on ostrich, while a further three males were found by guests as they prepared to board their plane home, resting under a small bush at the end of the airstrip! Twelve wild dog were also sighted several times as they range through the area moving south from Lagoon on their search for hunting opportunities. Breeding herds of elephants and lone bulls are seen daily and the area is covered by their tracks as they continue to move between fresh water and their favoured feeding areas.
Lagoon
The beautiful Lagoon area continues to provide excellent wild dog sightings including this month a pack of twelve dogs hunting, often successfully, female kudu and impala. The three cheetah brothers fail to roam far from their traditional hunting grounds and have been sighted regularly either hunting or feeding, predominantly on impala. Other notable sightings include roan antelope, dwarf mongoose, banded mongoose, sitatunga and a python sunning itself on a termite mound.
Tau Pan
Tau Pan’s first guests have all left with those special memories that only come from this truly unique destination. Apart from regular sightings of lion, cheetah, jackals, gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and honey badgers around Tau Pan itself, day trips to the famous Sunday, Pipers and Deception Pans have led to several sightings of cheetah, leopard, numerous lion (including hunting gemsbok and warthog) and of course the many and varied bird and reptile species found in the Kalahari. The early morning routine was recently upset by not only, fresh tracks of the resident female leopard but also the presence of the rarely seen brown hyena drinking at the water hole in front of camp.
Nxai Pan
Nxai Pan continues to be offer a diverse and contrasting wildlife experience. Lions are sighted regularly and as guides interact more over the coming months we hope to be able to better identify the status and relationships of the many small groups and individuals that have been seen so far. Zebra is the most commonly seen species at this time of year and while lion are their main predator, two clearly confident male cheetah were observed hunting these powerful animals. A pack of eleven wild dog have also been seen within two kilometres of the camp and tracks also found regularly along game drive routes. The well known Nxai bull elephants have been moving back into the main pan and are regular visitors to the natural water hole in front of camp, the perfect siesta time entertainment!
Sightings report Kwando Safaris for February 2009
The rain continues to fall as we move into February. Record levels of flood water are recorded coming through Mohembo into Botswana. Villages and camps in Shakawe on the Okavango River have been flushed out by the flood forcing many villagers to move back to higher ground. Kwando and Kwara concessions are bracing themselves for the incoming floods of the Okavango and Kwando Rivers due to the phenomenal rains in Angola this season.
Lagoon
Local predators have been preying on unconventional game this February! An aardvark was killed by lions towards the middle of the month giving us a rare glimpse (all be it a deceased glimpse) of this elusive night roamer.
At the aptly named Cheetahs Plains some fortunate guests were treated to the bitter sweet show of three cheetah brothers killing a baby ostrich!
Lions, leopards and wild dogs have all been spotted on a regular basis and all animals appear healthy and well fed.
Once again, large breeding herds of elephants have been spotted frequently along the Kwando waterfront to the guests delight. Plains game, in particular zebra and kudu have been abundant in February as well as some good sightings of the secretive sitatunga.
During a spotlighted night drive the rare serval cat has been seen on several occasions causing delight for guests and guide alike.
Lebala
Lebala has been an animal carnival this February with almost every flagship African species photographed in the area. Leopards stalking lechwe, wild dog on the hunt and two male cheetah preying on a red lechwe were among the highlights.
There was a power struggle in the lion community with the two dominant males challenged by three nomadic intruders. After a vicious contest the warring factions went their separate ways and it will be interesting to see if the intruders return next month.
Large breeding herds of elephants lead the best of the rest with other attractions including giraffe, zebra, the rapid tsessebe, jackals and pythons.
At night we have seen an interesting array of nocturnal species such as the African wild cat in hunting mode along with Africa’s largest rodent, the porcupine and hyena on patrol.
Kwara and Little Kwara
Kwara has been witness to a successful cheetah mother with five cubs this month. The mother and cubs were seen crossing a local bush track in addition to sightings of the three cheetah brothers heading towards the beautiful flood plains around Tsum Tsum.
The buffalo herds that were being found in such abundance last month have moved on for the time being but ions continue to populate the area.
Birding has been excellent of late with a fine array of water birds and waders in the area. Keen ornithologists have been treated to Kori bustards, Secretary birds and Saddle Billed Storks.
Nxai Pan
Impressive cloud formations have typified the coming of daily rains this month with the desert landscape transformed to its most beautiful.
Migrations of zebra have aggregated with springbok, wildebeest and gemsbok in the areas close to camp attracted by the rich new grasses brought to life by the rains.
Evidence of a visiting herd of buffalo was found around the airstrip recently in an area not normally associated with this species.
Not surprisingly with such an abundance of game around there have been plenty of lions to report around camp. Two iconic black maned lions of the Kalahari welcomed guests with persistent roaring by a local Baobab tree and a female with four cubs was seen in the same area.
Maun
A local kayaker was almost upended by a young male hippo close to the Old Bridge at Matlapaneng. The same hippo has been residing in the deeper pools around Maun and enjoying its green pastures this month.
Another resident had an unexpected visitor in his lounge when a specimen of the much feared Black Mamba species was disturbed into entering the house and taking up residence behind the TV. After much broom swiping and furniture removal the beautiful snake was persuaded to go back outside where it climbed up a palm tree.
Sightings report Kwando Safaris for January 2009
The rainfall has slightly subsided this month as we move into the New Year. Kwando concessions are predicting great floods of the Okavango and Kwando Rivers due to phenomenal rains in Angola this season.
Lagoon
An incredible sighting for the guests on one morning drive as the tracker initially found a large drag mark across the road. The game drive became a lesson in tracking as the guide and tracker eventually spotted a male and female leopard in the same tree feeding on a fresh impala kill!
The three cheetah brothers were resident for a few weeks at “Mabala a Mothlotse” (the flood plain of the Bat Eared Fox) and were seen hunting a fully grown ostrich on several occasions.
The Lagoon wild dog pack are still seen regularly in the area as they have been occupying the mopane forest to the west of Lagoon camp. The young dogs are becoming more aware of the importance of hunting and are now contributing more actively in the pack’s hunts.
For the second month, pangolin have been spotted on drives. A late evening drive found a young pangolin digging and foraging for ants in the middle of the road.
Plains game sightings continue to be excellent and include large groups of giraffe, zebra, lechwe and impala with regular sightings of impressive kudu bulls, and the rare roan antelope.
Lebala
Lebala’s new airstrip has attracted a pair of ostrich and are now a welcome sight as the guest fly into the concession, though the guides periodically have to chase the pair off the runway to ensure a safe landing!
Guests have had spectacular views over the floodplains from camp, of elephant heading to and from the Lebala marshes. Lone bull elephant regularly stroll through the camp, and broke a section of new decking attempting to reach some tasty marula fruit lying on the ground.
Two young lioness are a regular sight this past week around the concession but have not had great success hunting the few times they have been witnessed. The guides believe they belong to the pride of five that have been chased away by the lone male lion seen in the area last month.
The Lebala pack of wild dogs are doing extremely well in the area and are seen at least once every ten days or so.
Plains game abounds as always at Lebala, with large herds of zebra and wildebeest as well as the usual impala and tsessebe.
Kwara and Little Kwara
Buffalo herds of varying sizes have been sighted daily in the Kwara concession as they move into the swampy flats south of the camps. Lions and their young cubs have been following the larger herds, and guests have been lucky enough to see these lions as they are swimming across the floodplains and rivers.
The coalition of seven male lions chased a smaller pride this month in the Tsum Tsum area, killing three young cubs and eating them. Guests and guides alike were all horrified by this event as the males attempted to prevent any of their competitors passing on their genes.
Two Giant eagle owls have taken up residence close to camp and have started building a nest in a Jackal Berry (African ebony) tree. The two owls are now a regular sighting on late evening drives. Guests were recently amazed to see the pair of owls feeding on a carcass of a small mammal, probably a rodent of some kind.
The coalition of three cheetah are still a regular sighting by the guests up on the Tsum Tsum floodplains.
Nxai Pan
Nxai pan has been a hive of activity this past month as the trackers and guides went down for some training and familiarization of the area. Large herds of springbok and impala have congregated on the main pan, alongside large numbers of gemsbok. An enormous male lion was seen when they went to explore Khama Khama pan and an inquisitive lioness walked into camp one morning to investigate all the activity! Hundreds of zebra have begun to arrive in the area on their annual migration- a sight to behold. Elsewhere kudu, gemsbok, steenbok, various species of mongoose and wary jackals are all common sighting also on the daily drives acitivities.
