I have just received the September sightings for the Kwando Safaris Camps. If you're familiar with the blog, I generally like to break these updates into two distinct posts due to the length of the updates. This first update will cover Kwando Kwara Camp and Kwando Lagoon Camp. My next blog post (Part II) will cover Tau Pan Camp, Nxai Pan Camp, and Kwando Lebala Camp. Enjoy the update!
Kwando Lagoon Camp
Kwando River Concentrates Game
Elephants in Kwando are enjoying the unusual rains
Photo © Bill Given
Kwando 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.
African Wild Dog Pups on the Hunt at Kwando
For those who have been following the progress of this years African 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.
Kwando Concession Leopards and Cheetahs
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.
Kwando Kwara Camp
Kwara Lions Going After Big Game
The Lion Pride at Kwara is Enjoying Successful Hunts
Photo © Bill Given
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.
Plentiful Leopards and Cheetahs at Kwara
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.
African Wild Dog Sightings at Kwara
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.
Birds in Abundance
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.
Get The Roar! - TheWildSource.com's monthly newsletter.
The Wild Source's Africa Video Channel - safari videos taken by The Wild Source founder Bill Given