Machaba Camp Wildlife Sightings June 2024
The Botswana winters are living up to their reputation in June at Machaba Camp. The lowest record temperature recorded was 10.2 degrees Celsius, with mornings and nights being especially chilly. The average temperature was around 17.8 degrees, and the hottest it got was a delightful 25.1 degrees. However, winter does not mean it is raining on the plains.
In fact, the land is getting drier and drier every day, leaving the animals to look for alternative water sources. With that said, there is hope, as the floodplain is also slowly rising daily.
Safety In Numbers
On the second day of our guests' they saw one of the more relaxing and joyful sights on the Okavango Delta. It was during their morning 4X4 safari that they got to see a large number of zebras, tsessebes and impala by the Magotlho area. The three species peacefully grazed together and enjoyed the heat from the sun.
They also act as each other's warning system if a predator approaches them. This is not an uncommon sight, yet we can't help but look at them with the same level of wonder every time.
Lazy Lionesses
Early on in the month, our guests got to see the kings of the jungle taking a little break from their royal duties. It was on a serene day at Leopard Lagoon that we saw five lionesses sleeping on the soft grass of a marshy patch of land.
Although ferocious, these lounging lions looked more relaxed and tranquil than our guests. This must be because of their nocturnal nature, where they do the majority of their hunting at night and rest during the day.
It might not have been the exciting sight that they were expecting to see, but we could tell by the smiles on our guest's faces that they were still enthralled by the experience.
Big Cats Everywhere
It was during the middle of June that the big cat sightings started to increase. On one particular day, our group of guests went on a thrilling safari at Acacia Crossing. Their eyes and ears were peeled, waiting for the moment their senses picked up a potential wildlife encounter.
It was not long into the safari that they saw two elegant lionesses along the riverbank prowling for prey. Later on, near the airstrip, the next sighting took place. Blending seamlessly into its surroundings, a leopard was spotted. Although leopards are known to frequent the area, spotting them is a whole different ballgame.
Follow The Clouds
No matter how hot or cold, Machaba Camp's morning safari drive happens daily. On this particularly chilly morning, we were lucky enough to see the dust cloud pointing us to where wildlife most definitely could be found. Once we reached the epicentre of the event, what we saw was incredible.
By the Lebala La Diphir area, we saw a mighty herd of buffalo gathered by the water while tsessebes moved gracefully in the background. This is one of the most perfect examples of nature in harmony we’ve ever seen.
Until next time,
Atty, Moss & Shato
Macahba Camp
