Gomoti Plains Camp Wildlife Stories February 2025
February was another fantastic month for wildlife spotting at Gomoti Plains. The Gomoti River and the surrounding floodplains are brimming with water after the abundant showers during our rainy season.
The lush vegetation boasted a vibrant green hue as a result of the life-giving rains and a diverse range of birdlife has flocked to the region. With high water levels, our water-based activities have been popular among guests.
The temperature ranged from 29 to 40 degrees Celsius. Although hot, the frequent rains and dense vegetation gave us and the wildlife near the camp a welcome break from the heat.
The month started with very few big cat sightings but quickly became the month of the lion as our sightings increased. The Survivor Pride set up base camp in the floodplains in front of Gomoti Plains and we were delighted to enjoy unbelievable sightings from the comfort of camp.
Gomoti Magic
Earlier in February, our mission was clear - track the bigger cats in the region. We had seen a few days pass without a sighting, so our hopes were high. During an afternoon game drive, we were in full investigation mode and to our delight, we found a pride of four sub-adult lions.
The guests were amazed to see such beautiful creatures before they reached full maturity. We stayed for a while, watching how their behaviours in the wild and how the pride interacted with one another.
As the sun began to set, we decided to return to camp. To our amazement, we found the famous Survivor Pride right at Gomoti Plains. Staying out past dark, what started as a picturesque afternoon game drive transitioned into a mysterious and adrenaline-pumping night drive.
Hungry Lions
The Survivor Pride was curiously absent from camp in mid-February. After a few days, the pride returned to their base. They were on the move, passing through our camp, looking visibly hungry.
A hunt was imminent.
We continued following them and watched with bated breath. Not long after that, they made a kill. The air was filled with the intense sounds of growling and we watched in awe as they fought each other for the best cuts.
The Perfect Hunt
The Survivor Pride of lions had been a highlight of this month’s sightings. On this occasion, we witnessed the textbook definition of a hunt. We found the ravenous pride on the soccer pitch, where a sounder of warthogs had made their den.
In a spectacularly coordinated hunt, the Survivor Pride stalked and separated the family of warthogs. Unfortunately for the young one, it got recognised as the easy kill and was herded to where three lions were waiting to pounce. Once the young warthog was close enough, the lions sprang into action.
Survivor, the dominant male, wasted no time showing the rest of the lions who was the boss, claiming the kill in a fierce display of dominance.
Undeniably Wild Dogs
Towards the end of the month, we spotted a pack of eight African wild dogs. Seeing them play with each other almost made them seem like the domesticated dog. But make no mistake, wild dogs are some of the fiercest predators in Africa.
These pack hunters have the highest success rates of any predator in Africa, easily surpassing 60% and sometimes reaching as high as 90%. As individuals, a single wild dog may only succeed up to 15.5% of the time, but when they band together they are unstoppable.
Eyes Of The Beholder
Witnessing predators feed off their kills is a surreal experience as our most recent guests found. Towards the end of the month, we spotted a wild dog near camp. We followed it back to its pack, which was feeding on a fresh impala kill.
The pack devoured the Impala with incredible speed. Some might call the scene gruesome, but to our photographer and videographer guests, it was an incredible opportunity to capture something extraordinary.
This past month was a jaw-dropping month for spotting predators. Here’s hoping for another spectacular month of wildlife sightings in March.
Until next time,
Derick Mooketsi Mambo
Gomoti Plains Camp
