Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories January 2026
Weather Report
Greener vegetation, fuller lagoons, more watering holes, and bigger bellies are all characteristic of the wet season at Machaba Camp. For two weeks in January, we had rain every day, leading to around 100-115mm of rainfall for the month. Temperatures peaked at 30-35°C, while lows averaged between 15 and 18°.
Leopard Family
During a guided safari in the Okavango Delta, we spotted a female leopard resting in a tree near Mahatlha Road. Next to her, an impala’s lifeless carcass was draped over a branch. We were in awe of how precisely the deceased animal was placed across the sturdy branch when we noticed an adorable leopard cub tucked close to her.
The little one clambered clumsily over to the impala carcass, taking brief pauses on its way there. It sniffed at the air, curious to what the world below was up to. The cub leaned towards the kill, nudged it tentatively, then glanced back at its mother as if checking for permission.
While this was happening, the father appeared and snatched the kill. “What a heartless man who does not think of his baby!”
Calm Before The Roar
It was unusually quiet on an afternoon game drive at the Magotho area. All we were able to spot was the general game and lots of birds as we drove to the Hippo Pool campsite. As we were driving, we found two magnificent lions stalking a tshesebe antelope and her calf.
They moved purposefully through the grassland, coordinating their movements for the best chance at snatching the little one. They stopped, scanned the area for anything that could alert their prey, before pouncing. Within moments, the lions separated the mother from her baby. The hunt had ended as fast as it begun, resulting in a meal for the lions and a distraught mother tshesebe.
A Pack Of Hunters
We were on an early morning safari in the Matlhalerwa Pan when we encountered a pack of African wild dogs moving swiftly through the woodland and grassland. Judging by their loose formation, some on the flanks while others followed steadily behind, they were in hunting mode.
They used all the available cover to stalk a herd of impalas. Their heads were low, ears alert, and movements silent as they approached their potential prey. As we watched the scene unfold, they suddenly broke into a full sprint, eyes fixed on an impala calf. With blitzing speed, the baby antelope was caught, killed, and eaten.
Unlucky Leopard
Leopards are one of the most elusive and hardest to spot animals in the Okavango Delta. Their russeted golden coats blend into the surroundings so well that once their prey spots them, it's more than likely too late. However, this is not always the case.
We witnessed a leopard stalking a herd of impala. It perfectly adjusted its position, slowly closing the gap. With each step, the tension rose. But a sudden change in wind direction sent the leopards scent their way. The impala were alerted to the looming danger and bolted while the leopard could only watch.
Cheetah And Her Cub
It was a quiet morning in the Matlhalerwa area. All we could find were general game, nothing as exciting as a lion or elephant. But just as we were about to give up, we spotted a beautiful cheetah and her cub feeding on an impala by Matlhalerwa Pan. Later, the mother and cub returned to the area and gave us another opportunity to watch them.
January 2026 was the perfect start to wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and at Machaba Camp. Come back next month for more incredible Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories.
Until next time,
Abo
Machaba Camp/Little Machaba
