Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories October 2025
Weather Report
October had the highest recorded average temperatures so far this year. Late mornings and afternoons ranged between 28 and 35°C while nighttime temperatures ranged between 10 and 15°C. Fortunately for us, October was also the start of the rainy season. We expect the upcoming showers to cool the average temperatures.
In the latter part of the month, cool and cloudy afternoons lowered the temperature between 26 and 3°C, while showers started turning the dry vegetation a vibrant shade of green. Nearby water sources continued to drop, but with the arrival of the rain, we hope this will change soon.
A Good Day To Spot Big Cats
We had an incredible day’s worth of big cat sightings. It began with a female leopard feeding on an impala kill. She had just killed it, contentedly biting off chunks of meat while staying alert to her surroundings.
Next, we spotted a pride of 14 lions resting in the shade at Leopard Lagoon. They were scattered around the lagoon, sleeping peacefully. By the looks of their bulging bellies, they had just finished a hefty meal. What an amazing sight!
Outnumbered By Lions
At Matswere Pan, we witnessed an adrenaline-fuelled lion hunt. A pride of 13 lions overwhelmed a lone warthog, and despite their numbers, each member of the pride worked together with focus and precision.
They slowly stalked the unsuspecting warthog until bursting into a sprint to catch the unfortunate creature. This delicate balance of power and precision is the difference between a successful and unsuccessful hunt.
Predators Escaping The Heat
The hot days of October were difficult for many of the predators. Lions cope by slowing down and finding shade, panting, and sometimes lying in water to escape and release heat.
During a game drive, we found five lionesses and three cubs trying to cool off by drinking from Onks Pan. The adorable little ones were full of energy, running and splashing around while their mothers watched calmly.
Later, we saw two wild dogs lying in a marsh, quietly resting in the soothing mud.
October’s Last Leopards
Right before October ended, we managed to spot a leopard with her cute cub at Barbra Pan. Seeing a leopard with her cub is a rare sight as they usually hide their young in dens, caves or thickets.
The little one stuck close to its mom as she kept a watchful eye for any potential dangers.
Machaba Camp had an amazing month of sightings. Watch this space for November’s Machaba Wildlife Stories.
Until next time
MJ & Shato
Machaba Camp
