Kiri Camp Wildlife Stories October 2025
Weather Report
October has been hot, dry and dusty with the flood waters evaporating fast. Luckily, rain in other parts of Botswana signalled the start of the rainy season. Hopefully, green vegetation and rising flood waters will return by the end of November.
Kiri Camp is back with more fascinating wildlife sightings in Botswana. This time, we spotted some of the most impressive and successful hunters in Africa.
Beautiful Marula Lion Pride
During a game drive, we tracked the amazing Marula lion pride along the Boro Channel. They were spotted relaxing in the shade and enjoying the cool breeze. Cubs tumbled and played while the adults kept watch. Sometimes the most ferocious creatures can also be the most peaceful.
A Trio of Leopards Encounters
There was a day during the month that we will never forget. We had three separate leopard sightings in one day! The first leopard was a sleek female gracefully navigating the sandy outcrops of Marula Island. Later, we spotted a young male on top of a termite mound surveying the area near Old Mokoro Station. Finally, a large male was seen emerging from a thicket at Mophane Network.
Leopards' solitary nature helps them stay stealthy, efficient hunters and allows them to control their territory without competition from other leopards.
35 Wild Dogs, 1 Game Drive
We saw two different packs of African wild dogs across the Kiri Camp concession. After a long, hot day, we spotted the first pack of nine adults and eight pups resting in the shade near Kiri Camp. Their coats blended perfectly with the dry grass, and their gentle interactions contrasted their status as Africa's most successful pack hunters.
Later, we encountered the second pack of 11 adults and seven pups along the Boro Riverbank, attempting to cross to the Kiri Camp side.
In total, we spotted 35 wild dogs.
Daring Honey Badger
Honey badgers are some of the most fearless creatures in the world. There is no better example of this than when we saw this one walk straight through a pride of lions resting in the shade. For a moment, the lions were stunned, not knowing how to react. Eventually, a lioness stood up to investigate when a male suddenly gave chase. Unfortunately for the lion, the honey badger had already dashed and disappeared into nearby thickets.
Clash: Lions VS Hyenas
A day’s tracking expedition led to us seeing a clash of wills between our Western Pride of lions (three lionesses and six cubs) and a clan of 15 hyenas. The opportunistic hyenas tried to steal a zebra kill that the lionesses had made the previous night. The pride stood their ground, roaring, swiping, and chasing the scavengers back. Eventually, the hyenas gave up, leaving the pride victorious.
October had some amazing wildlife sightings. Come back soon for more stories from the Okavango Delta.
Until next time
Keya Kandu
Kiri Camp
