Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories July 2026
Weather Report
July around Machaba Camp in the Okavango Delta saw cool, dry winter weather typical of this time of year. Midday and afternoons peaked at 26ºC, while early mornings and nights dropped to a chilly 11ºC.
Skies remained clear with practically zero rainfall, normal for a Botswanan July. The Angolan floodwaters, however, are keeping the Okavango Delta and its channel systems filled with water, maintaining the vegetation’s vibrant and bright green hue despite the lack of rain.
Big Game Hunting
At the beginning of the month, we encountered a clan of around 20 hyenas planning to hunt an elephant calf at Matshwere Crossing. They showed tremendous coordination and cooperation, even during their test chase, where they discovered its weakness. The hunt lasted multiple hours, resulting in a successful catch and kill for the clan of mischievous predators.
The clan began feeding on the elephant carcass as soon as it died. Having spent their whole lives on the wild African plains, they know nothing attracts more unwanted attention than the smell of fresh blood. The sound of crunching bone and tearing flesh filled the air, ending hours of game viewing with the most surreal sight yet.
Abort Mission
During a game drive near Onx Crossing, we saw a female leopard hunting. She was incredibly patient, slowing her movements and hugging the ground to avoid detection. The leopardess stalked her prey for quite a while, only inching closer when her prey wouldn’t be the wiser. Suddenly, she burst into a sprint, attempting to bring down her prey swiftly before abandoning the hunt.
After a tiring chase, the leopardess decided to rest under a bush. We watched her fall half asleep, resting while also listening to the sounds of potential prey or imminent danger.
Special Antelopes
On one of our early morning safaris, we spotted a group of sable antelope not far from a known hyena den. Despite that, the beautiful antelopes were utterly relaxed. We saw them lie down and doze off, with members of the herd facing in every direction to make sure they were not surprised by something trying to eat them. Eventually, some of them got up and began grooming each other’s necks and backs.
The Perfect Hunt
At the end of the month, we went on a late afternoon game drive and spotted some kudu antelope drinking water by Onx Concrete. Typical of plains game, the kudu displayed extreme vigilance. Often pausing to scan its surroundings and sniff for any nearby predators, and for good reason. Not far away, hidden in thick bush, two male lions were waiting for their opportunity to pounce. The males split up, one lying in wait while the other circled to get behind the kudu. In a flash, the lion behind the kudu charged, chasing toward its brother, who promptly caught and killed it.
July was an incredible month for spotting wildlife in the Okavango Delta. Join us again next month for another Machaba Camp Wildlife Story.
Until next time,
Atty
Machaba Camp/Little Machaba
