Machaba Camp - Okavango Delta - Botswana

Chaotic Scramble For Leopard Kill

It was during an afternoon game drive when we spotted a beautiful male leopard near a cluster of Acacia trees at ‘Western Dollar’. It was hunting an unsuspecting warthog grazing in an open field. The leopard expertly stalked its prey, inching ever nearer until, in one explosive burst of speed, it pounced.

The leopard aimed for the warthog’s throat.. After the kill had been made, the predator dragged its prize into the shade of a Motswere (Leadwood) tree where it started to feed…But the meal didn’t last long.

Within minutes, the unmistakable yips of a wild dog pack were heard ringing across the plains. Unfortunately for the leopard, they were drawn to the sounds and smells of its hunt. Soon, seven frenzied wild dogs arrived on the scene. The leopard bared its teeth and growled to protect its kill, but the wild dog's overwhelming numbers were too many for the leopard, and the lone predator sought refuge in a nearby tree.

Frustrated and stranded, the leopard could only watch as its prey was devoured by the pack. As if to add more chaos to the mix, four large hyenas entered the fray. Frantic snarling and snapping began for a second time. The wild dogs and hyenas broke into a fierce game of tug-of-war over the warthog’s hindquarters.

Eventually, the wild dogs retreated. Leaving the hyenas with the remains of the leopard’s kill. Although a spectacular sighting, this is a brutal reminder of how unforgiving the wilderness can be.

Cheetah. Cub. Chase

It's not every day you get to see cheetahs do what they do best - capture and kill in the blink of an eye!

During an early morning game drive, we spotted a female cheetah and her sub-adult cub on the open Matlharelwa plains. We observed them locking onto a small herd of impala grazing a few hundred meters away.

The female patiently stalked the herd through some tall grass when it suddenly burst into a full sprint. In an instant, she closed the distance and singled out a young impala. A quick trip and a powerful bite to the neck ended the chase in a successful kill for the cheetah.

Shortly after, the trailing cub caught up to its mother with visible excitement. The two cheetahs began feeding together. The mother allowed her cub to feed on the softer parts of the kill. After 20 minutes of feeding, they both became more alert - they knew the smell of a fresh kill would attract other predators they could not fight off.

Eventually, after filling their bellies, they rested in the shade of a nearby bush. Experiences like this are gentle moments of bonding before the cub will eventually strike out on its own as an independent hunter.

Success Of The Wild Dog Pack

During a morning game drive at Matshwere Crossing, we witnessed the unparalleled coordination of an African wild dog pack on the hunt. They were first spotted trotting along the edge of the floodplain when the pack picked up the scent of prey.

A small herd of lechwe were spotted nearby on the water’s edge. As soon as the wild dogs noticed them, their ears perked, tails raised, and the alpha dogs broke into a sprint. They chased from the front, as others flanked and separated a young antelope calf from the rest.

The calf was quickly cornered and killed. The wild dog pups were given the first opportunity to feed while the adults stood guard, scanning for nearby threats. The whole scene lasted for about 25 minutes, but it felt like mere moments for those who saw it all unfold.

Somewhat Gentle Lion Parenting

An afternoon game drive to Onks Crossing resulted in one of the most heartwarming sights this month. We managed to spot a full pride of lions gathered along a riverbank under an acacia tree. Five lionesses were sprawled out in the tall grass, sleeping while their seven energetic cubs played around them.

The lone adult male who was spotted trying to kill the cubs last month has now seemed to accept their presence in the pride. He was lying calmly on the ground while one of the braver cubs swatted at his tail.

This behaviour change is an indication of full interaction with the pride. The male has likely recognised them as his own, increasing the cubs' level of survival with the protection of the king of the jungle.

April was yet another month filled with adrenaline-pumping sightings. Watch this space to see what May has in store.

Until next time,
Kutlo
Machaba Camp