Machaba Camp Wildlife Stories September 2025
September at Machaba brought another month of unforgettable sightings.
Weather Report
It was a hot month at Machaba Camp. Temperatures ranged between 28 and 35 degrees Celsius with only a slight hint of drizzle. Notably, the floodwaters have started receding, leaving a striking contrast between dry, yellow grasslands and the vibrant green floodplains teeming with life.
Off-Flight Meal
Just metres away from our Khwai airstrip, we spotted a pride of four lionesses and a 10-month-old cub feeding on a buffalo. The lions paid us no mind while they enjoyed their meal. The cub remained close to the adults, mimicking their actions and taking short breaks in between.
Luckily for the family, no scavengers were in sight, leaving the family to enjoy a peaceful meal.
Feeding Leopard
At the beginning of the month, we observed a leopard feasting on an impala kill at Matswere Crossing.
The leopard dragged its kill up a tree to keep it safe from any opportunistic scavengers. It was calm but alert, feeding at intervals while scanning the surrounding area.
This is typical feeding behaviour from leopards. They are far from the biggest predators on the African continent, but are some of the best climbers. With their skills, they keep their meals secure while giving us an amazing photo opportunity.
A Mother’s Warmth
As we approached Onks Crossing during an early morning safari, we witnessed one of the most heartwarming sightings of September.
A mother leopard elegantly appeared from the bush with her adorable cub. The energetic cub, filled with uncontained energy, swatted its oversized paws at its mother’s tail, pouncing with mock ferocity.
The leopard, ever the dotting mother, played along and swatted back before effortlessly leaping away and encouraging the chase. It is scenes like this that show the intimacy between mother and child in the wild.
Unlucky Wild Dogs
As the golden glow of the afternoon sun blanketed the silent savannah, a sudden pounding of paws broke the quiet. A pack of seven African wild dogs were in hot pursuit of a warthog. The terrified creature was sprinting for its life across the plains while the dogs moved in flawless coordination. The warthog zigzagged desperately, kicking up dust and flailing its little tail. The wild dogs split their formation, moving in for the kill.
Sensing its impending death, the warthog used the last of its strength on a burst of speed that took it into a dense thorny bush that only it could fit into. The warthog was gone, and the wild dogs were left panting in frustration.
Machaba never disappoints. From lionesses feeding with their young to warthogs escaping the jaws of death, we witnessed some of the most spectacular sightings to date. Join us next month for another amazing adventure!
Until next time,
Abo
Machaba Camp / Little Machaba
