Monachira Camp Wildlife Stories October 2025
Monachira Camp had some incredible sightings we could not wait to share with you!
Weather Report
The Okavango Delta was hot this October. Daytime temperatures peaked at 40°C, while evening temperatures were pleasant enough for us to start campfires. We had a little rain towards the end of the month, but our water levels are still gradually dropping. Fires were also seen in the distance, and although this may seem like a bad omen, fires are a fundamental ecological driver of savanna ecosystems.
Leopardess Sunrise
One of our first sightings this month was of a leopardess and her very young cub walking off into the sunrise. We’ve only ever seen the pair a handful of times, so spotting them happy on the plains warms our hearts.
As a cub’s sole caretaker, female leopards are in charge of feeding and educating their young until they are ready to strike out on their own at the age of around two years old.
Elephants Beat The Heat
Towards the middle of the month, we saw a big herd of elephants swimming in the Monachira River. Due to the heat, they have adapted to submerging their bodies in water and taking mud baths to regulate their body temperature. When there is no water nearby, their large ears function as their cooling system. When cool air flows over their ears, their blood vessels are cooled, relieving them from the heat.
New Wildebeest Calf
During a game drive, we were fortunate enough to see the birth of a wildebeest. We don’t often see scenes like this, so we settled in and watched the beauty of new life unfold.
The little bit of rain we had bodes well for the young one. New vegetation will grow for its mother to eat, and in turn, nutritious milk for her offspring will be produced.
Coronation Of The King
We witnessed a subadult lioness courting two males in her pride while in her pre-estrus cycle. These males have not mated before, so to gain their interest, she vocalises, brushes up against them gently and lashes her tail against them.
Soon, the two males will compete for her attention, and only the strongest will be able to mate with her.
October at Monachira did not disappoint. Let's see what November has in store for us.
Until next time,
Roy & Chris
Monachira Camp
