Kiri Camp Wildlife Stories May 2025
Kiri Camp enjoyed perfect wildlife-spotting weather in May, and the sightings did not disappoint. Early mornings and nights were cooler, ideal for seeing hunting predators. Afternoons were hot, encouraging large game and massive herds to congregate at watering holes.
To our delight, the floodwaters started trickling in, which, by the time you read this, will have attracted countless species of migratory birds flocking to water sources a few short minutes from camp.
Plentiful Pelicans
During an early morning game drive, we headed towards a popular watering hole near one of our rest stops. Within minutes of arriving, the entire sandbank became the landing strip for about 100 pink-backed pelicans.
They are the smallest species of pelicans but can still hold as much as eight litres of water in their pouch!
Lion’s Dinner Plans
As we enjoyed a fireside dinner in the floodplains, we listened to the sound of lions roaring in the distance.
As we retired for the night, we spotted a male lion at the turning circle inside Kiri Camp. Escorted by our guides, everyone remained calm as we watched the magnificent creature walk up the road and disappear into a bush.
Lioness Double Kill
During a chilly morning game drive, we spotted two lionesses and seven cubs from the resident lion pride. They were all lounging on a termite hill when suddenly the mothers charged towards a nearby herd of buffalo.
The lionesses had singled out and killed a calf while the rest of the herd scattered. The herd quickly regrouped and charged back at the lionesses in defence, only for another, larger buffalo to be taken down.
The cubs fed on the buffalo calf while their mothers took down their second target.
Thirsty Leopard
Right before one of our night safaris was about to start, a leopard crossed the road and headed for our swimming pool. We radioed the camp to stay cautious, as we followed it into an island of shrubbery.
We lost sight of it, but it returned to the pool to enjoy a drink of water later that night.
Chasing Cheetahs
Evening safaris are one of the best excursions to look for big cats as they are more active at night. On this particular trip, we spotted a cheetah in the empty banks of the Boro Channel. We followed it closely for a couple of kilometres until the sun began to set. The spotted beauty crossed the channel and vanished into some long grass before we set off for another sighting.
May showed us some spectacular wildlife sightings! Come back next month to see what June has got up its sleeves.
Until next time,
Stef Ellett
Kiri Camp
