Monachira Camp Wildlife Stories January 2026
Weather Report
Brief and frequent thunderstorms, vibrant green vegetation, and overflowing rivers and lagoons characterised January at Monachira Camp. The abundance of water and food has allowed the herbivores to disperse around the Okavango Delta and roam the habitats in which they are most comfortable. Not too far behind them are Botswana’s predators, taking advantage of the newly-grown tall grass and thick bushes for an ambush.
Big Cats Everywhere
Throughout January, we spotted an incredible number of big cats. One of the first sightings we had this month was of a leopardess and her cub. We saw the adorable family playing together while we were out on a game drive near camp.
Not more than a few days later, we spotted some lions trying to hunt some game. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to catch anything that day. However, towards the middle of the month, we saw a pride of five lions hunting. This was an incredible sighting, and we all managed to see them stalk, chase, and bring down a female zebra. The adrenaline-pumping scene was so surreal that all our guests will never forget it.
Jacana On His Egg
During a game drive, we witnessed a male jacana incubating its eggs. This species of bird is unique in the sense that its males incubate the eggs in a clutch of up to four. We found this jacana floating on its nest, built from vegetation. Normally, they incubate their eggs for about 25 days, using their wings to keep their eggs dry, warm, and protected from water.
January was an amazing month for spotting big cats and learning more about the animals around us. Join us soon for another Monachira Camp Wildlife Report.
Until next time,
Gideon
Monachira Camp
