Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories May 2025
Heading into our dry winter months, we have started to see the land transform. The lush greens that are synonymous with the summer season have turned a dramatic golden brown. The temperatures have dropped to comfortable levels during the day, and you can find us around the campfire at night. The flora and fauna have continued to thrive, and we’ve found some waterholes that are still full.
A Complex Synergy
As the day began, the air was crisp, offering a comfortable atmosphere for wildlife and guests. As we approached the Elephant Drinking Spot, we spotted a pride of lions at the water’s edge. Several females and their eight cubs were engaged in a feast. A sable antelope, a rare and impressive kill.
The sable antelope, known for its striking horns and formidable presence, had evidently put up a valiant fight. Its carcass lay near the water, surrounded by the lion pride. The adult lionesses fed first, their powerful jaws tearing into the meat, while the cubs, eager and curious, waited their turn. The cubs, with their soft golden fur, tumbled over each other in the tall grasses, their innocent antics contrasting with the rawness of the hunt.
Nearby, a herd of elephants approached the drinking spot. The matriarch led the group, her large ears flapping gently to ward off the midday heat. The young calves, under her protective gaze, ventured closer to the water's edge. The lions, sensing the presence of the elephants, paused their feeding. The cubs, ever curious, watched the elephants with wide eyes, their playful nature momentarily subdued. The elephants, in turn, seemed to acknowledge the lions, their trunks reaching down to drink, their massive bodies casting long shadows over the grass.
This rare interaction between predator and prey, both species sharing the same resource, was a testament to the delicate balance of the Delta's ecosystem.
Leisurely Leopard
At approximately 14:30, a leopard was spotted moving confidently through the bush near Machaba Camp. The animal moved with effortless grace, its distinctive rosettes and golden coat catching the afternoon light, making for a spectacular and rare sighting.
Later that afternoon, the same leopard was seen again, this time actively hunting near the dry riverbed about 300 meters from camp. Guests were captivated and astonished as the big cat used the surrounding bush for cover, silently stalking a small group of impalas grazing on the edge of the clearing.
Though no kill was witnessed, the intensity and poise of the leopard’s movements made for an unforgettable moment. A perfect combination of wild beauty and raw instinct was on full display. Many guests were able to capture stunning photographs and videos, turning what might have been a fleeting encounter into a shared memory of the wild.
A Convergence of Aquatic and Land Predators
Between Acacia Crossing and the Elephant Drinking Spot, a pack of 14 African wild dogs was seen actively hunting along the riverine area, moving with intent and coordination. A young waterbuck became isolated from the herd, and in an attempt to escape, the calf ran towards the river and entered the water.
Usually, a good call for an antelope, but this decision only brought more trouble. The river pool was already occupied by two male hippos engaged in a heated territorial dispute. One of the hippos, already agitated and aggressive, perceived the calf as a further intrusion. With terrifying speed and force, the hippo attacked the waterbuck, seizing it in its powerful jaws and thrashing it violently. Within moments, the calf was torn apart. A brutal and graphic display of nature’s raw power
The wild dogs, clearly startled and disturbed by the hippo's sudden aggression, halted their pursuit and slowly retreated from the scene. For several minutes, the pack lingered on the riverbank, visibly unsettled by what they had just witnessed, before eventually melting back into the surrounding bush.
The hippos, already locked in an aggressive display of dominance over the pool, showed no tolerance for intruders, adding a rare and raw intensity to the sighting. It was a surreal and intense sighting. The young waterbuck, tragically, found itself in the wrong place at precisely the wrong time. The presence of territorial hippos in the same pool only heightened the volatility of the situation.
The Hyenas Have Returned
After an extended period with no activity at the hyena den, a clan of hyenas was spotted under the cover of darkness, marking their return to this familiar and historically active site.
To the thrill of guests and guides on the night drive, the scene was brought to life under the spotlight. Several adult hyenas lay relaxed around the entrance of the den, and most notably, small cubs were seen suckling from their mothers. The tiny cubs, still covered in their soft, dark coats, stayed close to the females, occasionally lifting their heads or shifting position as they nursed. The adult females were calm and confident, showing no concern for the vehicle’s presence, allowing everyone a rare and close view of this typically elusive behaviour.
This heartwarming sighting served as a beautiful reminder of the complex and nurturing side of hyena social life, often overshadowed by their reputation as scavengers. The presence of young cubs also suggests the clan is stable and breeding successfully, which is encouraging news for the local ecosystem. It was an unforgettable encounter for all present — a true highlight of the night and a promising sign of more hyena activity to come in the area.
This month was action-packed and full of thrilling wildlife encounters. We witnessed the complexities of the wild that offered us a glimpse of the intricate dynamics of nature. Harsh lessons of the unforgiving wilderness were learned and we look forward to see what next month holds.
Until next time,
Kutlo
Machaba Camp
