Monachira Camp Wildlife Stories June 2025
Time flies in the heart of the Okavango Delta and it’s already the second month of highlighting some of the most spectacular wildlife sightings at Monachira. June’s morning temperatures were low, while the midday sun kept us indoors. This meant heading out for early morning and late afternoon game drives as the predators also favour this time.
The Strength of a Hungry Lioness
It was a warm afternoon in the delta when we embarked on an exciting boat cruise down the Monachira Channel. The abundance of birds and large plains game was amazing to see, little did we know, our relaxing afternoon would be cut short.
Admiring the wildlife around us, camp radioed to tell us that a sub-adult lioness had been spotted. This lioness is likely between two and five years old. We quickly rushed back and found the beautiful female walking along the fire break towards the tents.
As the day gave way to evening, the lioness began her hunt. She targeted whatever was in her vicinity, but was unsuccessful. Lucky for her, a troop of baboons jumped down from their tree on the corner of the island. She quickly grabbed a large male by the neck and dragged it into a bush, and started feeding. The Chacma baboons are not usually on a lioness’ menu, but she proved her strength by taking down a grown male.
Leopard Cub Rescue
The unrelenting wilderness shows no mercy.
A female leopard and her cub taught our guests this lesson during an early morning game drive.
Before embarking on this trip, we told ourselves we’d leave the sightings to Mother Nature, hoping to see some big cats as well. We headed towards the riverine area where the last lion sighting happened and saw lion tracks in the sand. We followed them to a bushy corner where we found a group of lions chasing a hidden leopard cub.
The cub’s mother sprang up from her hiding spot to rescue her young one. Quickly shifting their attention to the mother leopard, the lions chased after her until she jumped into a tree. They roared at her for a while until they gave up and left the leopard and her cub alone.
Crocodile Encounter
Even when we want to have a relaxed day, the wilderness will show you something that gets your blood pumping!
One cold afternoon, we decided to go on a leisurely boat cruise down the Monachira Channel. We climbed aboard the riverboat and enjoyed the sights and sounds of nature around us. Not long after, we witnessed a massive seven-metre-long crocodile basking on the riverbank with its mouth wide open.
One of our guests even said, ”This creature can swallow a baby elephant”.
Lion Coalition
Nothing is as comforting as a sibling's love; this is true even in the animal kingdom.
Towards the end of June, a coalition of two lion brothers could be heard roaring around camp. This was especially exciting as some of our guests were due to leave a day later. When the day broke, we went in search of the noisy lions, following their tracks until we spotted one.
He was busy chasing a jackal that bolted in front of our safari vehicle. The jackal was too nimble for the lion and escaped. He retraced his steps and led us back to his brother behind a thicket.
As if to say “it’s okay”, the lions started licking each other and played a little before basking in the sun.
We have experienced incredible sightings in the first two months at Monachira Camp. Come back next month to see what else is roaring, barking and calling around camp.
Until next time,
Chris Rippon
Monachira Camp
