Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories August 2026
Weather Report
August began with a noticeable cold front, making early mornings colder than usual across the whole Khwai concession. Early morning and nighttime temperatures hovered around 10ºC to 15ºC, while temperatures rose to between 27ºC and 32ºC at midday. Rainfall has remained practically nonexistent, with clear skies and dry conditions taking over most of the Botswanan wilderness. Despite this, the 2026 Okavango flood season has brought considerably more water to the area compared to the previous year. As a result, the Khwai River, surrounding channels, and floodplains have remained an important source of water and wildlife activity.
Like Oil And Water
At the start of August, we saw one of the year’s most spectacular and unusual sightings. We caught up with a familiar mother-and-cub leopard pair, Seronga and Pelo, as they fed on a fully grown African rock python. Our estimates put the python at between five and six metres long. The leopard pair fed on their bizarre meal for the next three days until there was nothing left of the snake. On the second day, we noticed several eggs among the python’s remains, confirming that it was a female carrying a substantial clutch.
Sightings of this nature are incredibly rare. Some of our guests even described how fascinating it was to watch one of the most captivating big cat species feeding on one of the world's largest snake species.
A Blur Of Black And White
Early one chilly morning, we encountered a pack of 12 African wild dogs hunting zebra. The pack worked together, displaying exceptional coordination and strategy as the dogs tested the herd for weaknesses. As the chase developed, the zebras scattered with remarkable speed, agility, and alertness. The wild dogs raced after them, but despite their efforts, the hunt ended without a kill.
Nevertheless, the battle for life and death between the two species highlighted just how the zebras’ heightened awareness and powerful build gave them the tools they needed to survive.
Not Without a Fight
A dramatic scene unfolded right in front of us along Old Mokoro Road, where a male leopard was in a fierce struggle with a warthog. Both were fighting for the right to survive. The leopard needed its next meal, while the warthog needed to escape death. The leopard made repeated attempts to bring the warthog down and kill it. However, the warthog was stronger and thrashed around, using its tusks and determination to eventually break free and escape.
Although the warthog was liberated from the leopard's grasp, it sustained several battle wounds. Wounds that mark a significant number of wildlife that routinely clash over the right to survive in one of the world’s most untamed destinations.
Surrounded
Towards the end of the month, we witnessed a confrontation between three lionesses and a clan of 20 hyenas near Hyena Den. The lionesses quickly found themselves surrounded and in an intense staredown. Suddenly, a chaotic fight broke out. The hyenas used their numbers to their advantage, relentlessly mobbing the lionesses from all sides.
Under the ferocious assault, one of the lionesses retreated up a tree. Even then, the hyenas continued the pursuit, with some even attempting to bite her rear as she climbed the tree. Soon after, all three lionesses escaped the den, showing just how overwhelming numbers, coordination, and persistence can overcome the strength of one of Africa’s savage predators.
Machaba Camp had some of the most incredible sightings we’ve seen all year. Come back next month for more amazing sightings from the Okavango Delta.
Until next time,
Kutlo
Machaba Camp / Little Machaba
