Gomoti Plains Wildlife Stories September 2026
Weather Report
It's a known fact here in Botswana that October is the hottest month of the year, and this September was the perfect precursor. The average temperature was a hot 33ºC, with highs peaking at 39ºC and lows dropping to 6ºC.
What caught us off guard were the two unexpected rain showers. The first was a quick 10mm downpour, while the second was our usual thunderstorm.
Rosettes In A Tree
During a late afternoon game drive, we searched for leopards, one of the most elusive big cats in the Okavango Delta. After some driving, we eventually spotted a female standing by a dead tree near the old helipad. We watched the beautiful cat for a while before it suddenly decided it needed to see the whole plain. In just a few bounds, the leopard leapt to the top of the tree and lounged in full view with the sun setting in
Follow The Signs
There is no greater sign of a dead animal carcass than vultures circling in the sky, and like moths drawn to a flame, we followed a committee of vultures all the way to a lion sighting. We arrived at the scene only to find the northern Pride of lions feeding on an adult giraffe.
With such a substantial kill, the pride of lions can feed for several days. The same goes for the vultures that brought us there.
Mothers And Hunters
Towards the middle of September, we found two lionesses with their five adorable cubs in tow. We marvelled at the stark contrast between the powerful adults and the vulnerable cubs, but before we had time to digest it, the two mothers started showing interest in a nearby herd of buffalo.
The lionesses hunkered down and began stalking the buffalo, but as so many hunts do, the pair were unsuccessful in securing a kill.
But Wait, There’s More
It's important to keep your eyes peeled when on safari. If you don’t, you might miss sightings like this one!
While on safari in the Mogotheo area, we noticed a dead impala hanging from a tree. We drove closer to inspect the scene when we spotted a leopard lounging in the tree as well. We stayed for a while, enjoying the leopard sighting, when we noticed a second one fast asleep at the foot of the same tree.
Right Time, Right Place
On one of our game drives, we spotted a pack of five African wild dogs moving towards the water’s edge near Mopororo Dam. Not long after, we noticed they were in the middle of hunting impala. After some brief stalking, an energetic burst of speed by the lead members, and a desperate battle, the wild dogs successfully killed their prey.
Moments like these are always violent and dramatic, but remain a privilege to witness.
September was yet another month of exciting predator sightings from Gomoti Plains Camp. Come back soon for another Wildlife Story from Machaba Safaris.
Until next time,
Steven Mavromatis
Gomoti Plains Camp
