Monachira Camp Wildlife Stories May 2026
Weather Report
June at Monachira Camp was an unusually wet month in the Okavango Delta. We bizarrely received 15 mm of rainfall, way more than expected for this time of the year. This resulted in increased water levels around the camp, reduced accessible areas to explore, and zebra and wildebeest being pushed away from Monachira.
Post Meal
After spotting lions post a successful hunt, we got the privilege of seeing them interact with each other. Still covered in blood, the lions moved away from the kill area and began to play on a fallen tree. The pride was relaxed and energetic, with some climbing and balancing on the tree, while others lay on their full bellies.
Although ferocious, lions are also very social creatures, and this brief glimpse into their interactions gives us an indication of how one of the most infamous predators behaves when it is not on the prowl for its next meal.indicates
Mommy Is On The Way
During one of our game drives, we spotted a leopard cub patiently waiting for its mother. Leopards are already very difficult to spot, but young leopards like this are normally hidden by their mothers to keep them safe from other predators, making this sighting all the more special.
While waiting for its mother, the cub remained alert, occasionally looking around and listening to the sounds of the wilderness. The entire time we observed the leopard cub, it did not move from where its mother hid it.
What an obedient and adorable little cub.
Change Of Plans
As our mokoro canoe polers were on their way to prepare for their next activity, they were surprised to see a pride of lions peacefully resting around the mokoro area. We saw several sub-adult male lions and a female. Some of the lions were just resting near the station, while the more curious ones were sniffing around the mokoros.subadult male lions and a female lion
Predators Reward
After a hard-earned hunt, we managed to spot a leopard feeding on its impala kill. With each powerful bite, the predator tore chunks of meat from the carcass in full view of us in our safari vehicle. Its focus was intense, only breaking every other bite to survey the area for anything that would want to steal its kill. Leopard sightings are always incredible, but getting to see one in the middle of a feast puts into perspective how brutal Mother Nature can be, especially since impalas are quite fascinating creatures in their own right.
Monachira Camp had spectacular predator activity this month. Come back next month for more amazing Wildlife Stories from Machaba Safaris!
Until next time,
Moss/Gideon
Monachira Camp
