Wildlife Stories Kiri Camp January 2026
Weather Report
The warm temperatures, high humidity, and regular rainfall across the country made January a true mid-summer, rainy season month.
The Landscape transformed into a haven of lush green vegetation and full waterways that attracted countless numbers of animals from all over southern Africa. Kiri Camp and the surrounding areas received plenty of rainfall in January. Daytime temperatures hovered around 30 - 35ºC and 20 - 23ºC at night.
Marula Lion Pride
Early in the month, we were fortunate enough to spot the famous Marula pride of lions. When we found them, they were actively hunting in a coordinated ambush formation. Once their prey came close enough, they pounced. Each one of them was chasing after it and trying to bring it down. Unfortunately, their prey escaped, and the Marula pride had to find another meal.
Majesty At Matshwiri
During a game drive to Matshwiri Island, we came across a magnificent sight: a male leopard traversing the swampy area. We were in absolute awe of how beautiful the creature was when we noticed that elephants were also in the area. Elephants are too massive to be a leopard's prey, so the two species coexisted peacefully in each other’s space while we watched on.
Scent Of Security
Male lions are extremely territorial. If a foreign male wanders into another lion’s territory, a fight is sure to occur. But how do lions mark their territory? We found out on a game drive on Bowser Road near Kiri Camp.
We spotted two male lions spraying a mixture of urine and scent gland secretions on bushes in the area, letting any would-be alpha male know that entry is prohibited.
Western Lion Pride
We were on an afternoon game drive when we ran into the Western lion pride near Kgonong Pan. A herd of kudu was also nearby, and the lions had decided to go on the hunt. They picked the head of the herd as their target and fiercely chased after it. Unfortunately for them, the kudu scattered, leaving their hunt unsuccessful. Better luck next time.
Wild Dog Kill
African wild dogs are some of the most successful hunters in the world. Their amazing coordination and swift moments ensure that most of their hunts succeed, and we were lucky enough to witness such a hunt.
During a game drive, we spotted a pack of 12 wild dogs chasing an impala. They caught up to the poor antelope, brought it down, and killed it swiftly. Just as fast as they killed it, the pack devoured it, leaving nothing but bones.
January was the perfect start to another year of remarkable wildlife sightings. Stay tuned for more Kiri Camp Wildlife Stories!
Until next time,
Keya & Eric
Kiri Camp
