Kiri Camp Wildlife Stories September 2026
Weather Report
September quickly became one of the hottest months of the year. Daytime temperatures reached a peak of 36ºC, with an average of 32ºC. Nighttime temperatures were also relatively warm, reaching between 15ºC and 19ºC. Unexpectedly, we received 15ml of rain towards the end of the month, but generally, skies were clear, vegetation was dry, and mornings were cool.
Strength In Numbers
In a battle over an animal carcass, the bigger and heavier predator usually wins. One of the few exceptions is when numbers are on the smaller predators' side. We witnessed this exact situation on safari between eight African wild dogs and six hyenas.
The wild dogs were trying to steal the carcass from the hyenas, but they were not going to let it go without a fight. Both sets of predators clashed, snarling, biting, and barking at each other until the wild dogs eventually ran the hyenas off and claimed their prize.
Brothers
Cheetahs are some of the most impressive creatures in the wild. Not only because of their blistering speed, but also because of their behaviours. We spotted a coalition of cheetahs working together to try and hunt a zebra. They stalked their prey, then suddenly broke into a sprint after it. Unfortunately for the brothers, they weren’t able to secure the kill.
What was interesting to see was that unlike lions, cheetah coalitions have no hierarchy. Both brothers share food equally (not this time) and groom each other peacefully without ever needing to be the alpha.
Catch & Devour
During one of our game drives to Matswiri Pan, we spotted a pack of African wild dogs chasing an impala. The dogs sprinted after the poor antelope, showing incredible coordination and teamwork. Eventually, they brought down their prey right in front of our vehicle and immediately began to feed.
It's not often we get this close to a catch-and-kill, but both us and our guests were elated that we got to experience it.
Cats Everywhere
It was during an afternoon game drive to Ali’s Pan that we saw a spectacular array of big cats all in one place. As we arrived, we noticed three cheetahs resting underneath a tree. On the other side of the pan, two male lions were standing on a termite mound, surveying the area. Finally, we spotted our resident leopard, affectionately named Kiri Blue Eyes, lounging in a tree above them all.
Before You Go
Even when going back to camp, you might find an exciting scene waiting for you en route!
We were on another morning game drive to Ali’s Pan and the Dikgokong area when we saw three cheetahs, two males and one female, moving through the area. Just about 500 metres away, we saw another female cheetah, but with a small cub in tow. After those wonderful sightings, we decided to head home. On our way back, we spotted a large pride of lions peacefully resting under a tree.
What a way to end a safari!
September was a fantastic month for wildlife spotting. Come back soon for more stories from the Okavango Delta.
Until next time,
Keya and Eric
Kiri Camp
