Wildlife Stories Kiri Camp December 2025
Weather Report
In December, the weather around Kiri Camp was a blessing for the creatures and vegetation of the Okavango Delta. The annual rainy season began, bringing cooler temperatures and much-needed water to the area. That said, temperatures were still hot, ranging between 19 and 32 degrees Celsius. Intermittent thunderstorms and rain showers decreased the characteristic African heat, replacing it with a relatively high humidity level of 71%.
Three Blots Of Lightning
We were all on a mission to find the most incredible wildlife sighting towards the end of the first week of December. Luckily, Mother Nature had us in her good graces. We spotted three cheetahs, their sleek bodies courched low to the ground as they scanned the grasslands for their next meal.
The lead cheetah was a gorgeous male with a black-tipped tail. Its gaze was fixed on something in the distance while the other two flanked him. In a flash of brilliant lightning, the lead cheetah sprinted after an impala. The two joined the chase, but unfortunately, they were unable to catch their prey.
The next day, however, we caught up with the same three cheetahs. By the time that we arrived, the chase was already over, and the trio was feeding on a steenbok under the shimmering sunlight
Queens & Cubs
During a game drive near the Kiri River, we spotted the famous Marula lion pride. Consisting of four lionesses and seven well-fed cubs, this was one of the most exciting sightings we had early on in December.
None of the lions were bothered by our vehicle. The lionesses continued to lounge about like we weren’t there, while the playful little ones climbed nearby termite mounds and pounced on anything that moved. That includes their mothers’ tails.
Prideful Feast
As we drove past a Mopane tree on an early morning game drive, we came across one of the most spectacular sightings: a massive elephant carcass being devoured by a pride of 13 lions. Each one of them, yes, even the little ones, was tearing flesh from bone. The lions didn’t even notice us. They were too busy filling their stomachs, matting their beautiful amber fur in the process.
Feeding Fury
Just as soon as we spotted them, a pack of 17 African wild dogs killed a baby impala.
In a frenzy of furious teamwork, the pack chased down and killed the poor impala calf and began eating it immediately. We could only hold our collective breath as we witnessed this testament of nature’s necessary ferocity. Equal parts breathtaking and terrifying, this sighting is the essence of Africa.
Thank you for spending 2025 with us here at Kiri Camp. We can’t wait to share more awe-inspiring Wildlife Stories with you in 2026!
Until next time,
Kan & Eric
Kiri Camp
