Wildlife Stories Kiri Camp May 2026
Weather Report
May 2026 was a beautiful transition period from the lush rainy season to the early dry and flood season. The Okavango Delta’s river systems continued to receive floodwaters from the Angolan highlands while the weather became cooler, drier, and more comfortable for safari activities. Average daytime highs reached between 27°C and 29°C, whilst night temperatures were around 12°C and 15 °C. Rainfall has been extremely low this past month, but the grass was still a vibrant shade of green, while water and wildlife have begun to concentrate around permanent water channels. This was the beginning of the classic Delta flood season.
Rested Wild Dogs
Painted wild dogs are some of the most energetic animals on the African continent. Their combination of fast-paced chases, coordinated hunting tactics, and stamina makes them some of the most exciting animals to spot on safari.
On this occasion, we did not see any of that. Instead, we caught up to a pack of 15 wild dogs resting peacefully in the shade. Some were fast asleep, while a few remained vigilant to any danger that could appear. Although this was a more passive sighting, our excitement was still palpable.
Poor Leopard
During a game drive, we witnessed an intense interaction between a female leopard and four hyenas. When we initially found her, she was busy feeding on a fresh kill. We hardly had any time to admire the sighting before the four hyenas suddenly arrived and surrounded the leopard. She desperately tried to defend her kill, but the hyenas eventually overpowered her and drove her away from her kill before devouring it.
This is the harsh reality that all wildlife has to live with. Only the strong survive.
Proximity Alert
We had an incredible afternoon of predator sightings near Kiri Camp, all in close proximity to one another. The first sighting was of a female cheetah and her cub feeding on an impala one kilometre away from camp. We loved looking at the small family unit bond over their hard-earned meal.
Only 500 metres away, the Western pride of lions were found feeding on a zebra. Each took a turn eating until they all had their fill. Later, shifting into defence mode and protecting their kill from hyenas who tried to steal it.
To complete the afternoon, we spotted a pack of painted wild dogs 600 metres away from camp in the middle of hunting impalas. We saw the dogs chasing the herd, displaying their amazing teamwork and speed. Unfortunately, their hunt ended without a meal to show for it.
Western Kill
Towards the end of May, we found the Western pride of lions again. The pride, consisting of two lionesses and four subadult cubs, successfully hunted and brought down an impala. Almost immediately afterwards, the pride scrambled around the carcass to each secure their share of the meal.
Another Stolen Kill
We managed to spot another carcass heist between two species of predators before the month ended. This time, we saw two male cheetahs kill a baby zebra. Moments later, the Marula pride of lions interrupted their meal and stole their kill with little resistance. The cheetah had to watch from a distance as each lion ripped pieces of meat from the carcass.
May was an outstanding month for predator sightings at Kiri Camp. Come back next month for another Wildlife Story from Machaba Safaris.
Until next time,
Keya & Eric/Tops
Kiri Camp
