Ngoma Safari Lodge Wildlife Stories August 2026
Weather Report
August at Ngoma Safari Lodge was spectacular. Water levels decreased in the pan near the lodge, attracting many zebras looking for open space to graze and watch for oncoming predators. More elephants have arrived in the Chobe Forest Reserve as conditions in the mainland continue to dry out.
Early morning and evening temperatures were still quite cold, while midday temperatures ranged between 17ºC and 38ºC. The dry season’s dry spell had finally broken, as rejuvenating rainfall began to fill some of the watering holes around Chobe National Park.
Hyena Puppies
Since May, we have enjoyed wonderful sightings of spotted hyenas and their puppies at their den near the Calbert. Known to be nocturnal, we were excited to see the mischievous predators in the early morning and late afternoon sunbathing with their four-month-old puppies. When we first met the little cubs, their fur was a deep shade of brown, but by three months old, their distinctive spots appeared.
Buffalo Beatdown
Early in August, we spotted one of our favourite lionesses. She was seriously injured after trying to hunt a buffalo. Unfortunately, she had been gored by the buffalo’s horn, leaving a severe wound in the process. The wound was so bad that the lioness almost bled to death, but over time it started to heal, and now we even see her hunting again.
That was not even the first time a buffalo hurt her. Previously, a different buffalo drove its horn straight through its mouth.
Leftovers
During a game drive, we came across our local lion pride consisting of two males and two females. The pride had killed a giraffe and had fed on it for a long time before deciding to move on. However, the carcass attracted more animals to the scene. While we watched, the lions returned to pick off the remaining meat, while vultures, jackals, and hyenas waited their turn once the lions left.
The Little Guy
Jackals are mainly considered scavengers, primarily feeding on kills made by other larger predators. But just because they scavenge most of their meals doesn't mean they don’t know how to hunt their own food. We were lucky enough to see just that play out on safari.
It was a beautiful morning in Botswana when a black-backed jackal was spotted hunting and successfully catching a guinea fowl before dragging it to a safer and more concealed area.
August ended winter with many incredible sightings. We can’t wait to tell you what September has in our next sightings report!
Until next time,
MK
Ngoma Safari Lodge
