Botswana - Okavango Delta - Machaba Camp

Lion Pride Water Crossing

It was during a scenic afternoon game drive that we spotted a couple of hippos and crocodiles sunbathing on the sandbanks of Mosomalia Crossing. The waters were tranquil and reflected the golden hue of the fading sunlight when we saw two lionesses walk out of the thick shrub. Stunned, we watched attentively as two male lions and two cubs followed closely behind.

We watched the pride at a safe distance, quietly snapping pictures of the family as one of the lionesses inspected the river. Slowly, she entered the river and started to cross to the other side of Moremi Game Reserve with the rest of her pride in tow.

Leopard & Wild Dog Scuffle

It was a long morning with no activity to speak of when we got a call from one of our guides. Two leopards were spotted along Mophane Road, one male and one female. We rushed over to find the male feeding on a fresh waterbuck kill, while the female watched from the cover of nearby bushes.

As we marvelled at this sighting, the male leopard raised his head, instinctively scanning his surroundings for danger. The distinctive “hoo” of African wild dogs was heard shortly after. A pack of 10 dogs soon appeared and intended to take the leopard’s meal for themselves.

A fight ensued. The leopard fiercely defended its kill, leaving a nasty wound on one of the dog’s hips. Alas, the wild dogs’ numbers were too great, and the leopard had to flee up into a tree.

New Wild Dog Puppies

A pack of 10 African wild dogs was seen frequently throughout June. The alpha female had been heavily pregnant the last time we saw her and now, it appeared that she had given birth. A new den was found along the old Mokoro Road and we suspect the puppies were hidden inside.

We drove to their den to say hello to the pack and found them lying lazily on the ground close to each other. The alpha female moved towards the den, entered the den and came back out with the cutest little puppies we’ve seen in a very long time.

It was time for the pups to feed. We counted 10 little ones all pushing for their turn at their mother’s milk. When they weren’t feeding, they were playing around, climbing on their mother or letting out the tiniest growls.

Defending Lion Pride

One of our last sightings for the month was also one of the most adrenaline-filled. During a seemingly normal game drive to Onks Pan, we spotted a pride of five lionesses and their seven cubs on the hunt.

The cubs were hidden safely in some nearby bushes while the mothers stalked a herd of impala. It wasn’t long before a pack of wild dogs appeared, also looking for something to eat.

A fight broke out between the lionesses and the wild dogs. Not only were the females fighting over their stakes in the hunt, but they had their cubs to think about. Thankfully, the brawl happened away from where the cubs were hidden. After some time, the wild dogs surrendered and left the lions’ territory.

June stunned us with many incredible sightings. We can only hope for more of the same in the coming months!

Until next time,
MJ
Machaba Camp / Little Machaba