Kiri Camp Wildlife Stories November 2025
Weather Report
November was one of Kiri Camp’s hottest months of the year, but thanks to the rainy season finally arriving, the short but intense showers lowered the hot daytime temperatures. Mornings were still somewhat cool and hovered around the early to mid 20°C range, while the afternoon heat reached up into the 30s, accompanied by thunder showers.
Clash Before Breakfast
The sun had just risen over Kiri when a pack of 14 African wild dogs ran towards a watering hole in front of the dining area. They moved with their trademark playful energy before two large male lions charged at them from a nearby thicket.
The wild dogs scattered in a blur, darting in every direction and filling the air with high-pitched yelps and the sound of lions in hot pursuit. Although brief, this captivating scene was the perfect pairing to our morning breakfast.
A Deadly Game
During an afternoon game drive, we spotted movement in a patch of tall grass. A male cheetah lifted its head, eyes fixed on something we had not seen yet. A few moments later, we saw it, an impala, unaware that it was a cheetah’s target.
Without warning, the cheetah pounced from the grass and chased its prey. The cheetah closed the distance while both zigzagged across the plains. In a final, desperate attempt, the impala leapt into a thicket and vanished. The cheetah skidded to a final, disappointing halt, panting hard and staring at the bush that swallowed its meal. We, on the other hand, were in stupified silence until someone said, “That was incredible”.
The Love of a Lion
During a routine patrol drive, we came across our resident lion pride of three lionesses and six cubs. Unfortunately, this was not a happy reunion. One of the lionesses had passed away, while one limped very badly around her. Presumably from a snake bite.
The next day, we went to check on the lion pride again. The cubs were climbing up and down a tree, while the injured cub looked a lot better with only a slight limp. Its aunt watched over it, giving licks and head nudges to her nephew.
She had now taken over as its new mother and called the other littles to her side as we watched.
Tssetssebe Calves and Mega Buffalo Herds
With all the recent rain, many of the rivers are full and bright green grass covers massive swaths of the Okavango Delta. We were on a morning game drive, marvelling at how lush the landscape had become, when we spotted a mega-herd of buffalo along the Boro Channel. Our guests counted over 250 buffalo, ticking off an item on many of their bucket lists.
In another exciting turn of events, we spotted the rare Tssetssebe with two calves. This elusive species was spotted near a water source.
Wild Dog Mega Pack
Late one afternoon, we came across a new pack of African wild dogs just outside of camp. All guides and guests were called in to join in on this sighting, and as we followed the pack, more and more wild dogs seemed to join the pack. We counted 38 dogs, a phenomenal sighting for even the most seasoned safari adventurer.
For two hours, we drove with the mega-pack as they traversed the plains looking for meals. Before the sun set, they had taken down an impala and a shrub hare, but when there are so many mouths, anything less than fully grown buffalo bulls is a mere snack.
November was just as filled with wildlife sights as any other spectacular month this year. We can’t wait to share what December treated us to. Stay tuned!
Until next time,
Kelly & Stef
Kiri Camp
