Ngoma Safari Lodge Wildlife Stories September 2025
The floodplains are slowly drying up, leaving the Chobe River narrower than it's been in quite some time.
That said, Ngoma Safari Lodge’s views are still some of the most spectacular in Botswana. Zebras are all over the plains, while elephants frequently visit the mini pools in front of our rooms for a drink.
Weather Report
September was hot and windy. Temperatures ranged from 15 to 28°C on the cooler days and 38 to 40°C on the hottest.
Survival Of The Pride
Normally, the male in a pride would eat first, but this time, it was the lionesses who took the prized cuts.
The lionesses had successfully taken down a buffalo calf, and had the male started first, he would have taken the ‘lion’s share’. As it was the lionesses who had killed the buffalo, they helped themselves first before the rest of the pride.
Unsafe Border Crossing
With the Chobe River so narrow, animals can now cross from Namibia to Botswana with ease. Unfortunately, they never know what might be waiting on the other side.
On this occasion, a herd of impala crossed the river and came face-to-face with the Ngoma lion pride. The lions have been taking advantage of this recent development and have managed to kill four female impalas on the same spot right in front of our lodge!
Surprise Attack
A very special leopard named Manyando was on a mission to hunt some impala when the prey was alerted by the jackals' alarm calling. Stressed that the hunt failed, her attention was now on the jackals.
The leopard pretended to give up, heading to a nearby water source. When the jackal's guard was lowered, she popped out and narrowly missed catching one of them.
Featured Heading
Larger Than Life Leopard
Leopards drag their kills up trees to keep them out of the reach of other large predators like hyenas and lions.
Nevertheless, one fearless leopard stayed on the ground with its kill for almost two days. No other animal dared to come near. Everyone agreed it was one of our favourite sightings from September.
September at Ngoma was amazing. We can’t wait to see what next month has in store for us.
Until next time,
Ngoma Safari Lodge
MK
