Deteema Springs Wildlife Stories August 2026
Weather Report
Despite Spring’s arrival, August was one of the coldest months of the year at Deteema Springs Camp. Early mornings and nights even dropped as low as 0ºC, and we needed hot water bottles and ponchos for those early adventures through Hwange National Park.
Despite the weather, clear skies and cooler temperatures make August one of the most attractive months to go on Safari in Southern Africa.
Spoilers
During a morning game drive along Deteema Vlei, baboons started calling and shouting nearby. We went to investigate the scene and saw two cheetahs sleeping in the shade. A short while later, a herd of kudu approached to drink water at a nearby water source.
Once the cheetahs caught a whiff of the kudus, they immediately switched into stalking mode. They used our vehicle as cover, slowly approaching the watering hole. That's when the baboons spoiled the moment for the big cats. The troops started shouting again, alerting the kudu to the incoming danger.
Closest Encounter
Early on in August, we went out on a walking safari near camp. As our guide was explaining some of the smaller things we miss on a traditional 4X4 safari, we heard guineafowl alarm calling nearby. Sensing a sighting nearby, we followed the sound until we came face-to-face with a leopard sitting in a tree.
We were so excited to see such a beautiful animal up close and personal. We watched it for about five minutes before it leapt down from its perch and disappeared into some nearby bushes. What a way to start the month.
Great Morning
At Deteema Springs Camp, animals often walk by our luxury tents, and on this particular morning in mid-August, we saw just that. We were waiting for our guests to join us for breakfast when one of them came early and told us they saw hyenas eating something near their tent.
We quickly went to their tent and witnessed two African wild dogs eating an impala. We watched them for a few minutes before they left us to explain how endangered and spectacular the species is.
A Feast For A King
On another early morning game drive in Hwange National Park, our mission was to find lions. Not long after leaving camp, we spotted lion tracks, telling us that they were close. After some tracking, we found a pride of 21 lions feeding on a massive elephant kill. What stood out most were the four huge males tearing flesh from bone while some of the cubs were having one of their first tastes of meat.
The scent of blood attracted hyenas, jackals, and vultures, but the sheer number of lions made every single scavenger think twice before starting a fight they would never win.
Deteema Springs Camp had spectacular sightings this past August. Come back soon for more Wildlife Stories from Hwange National Park.
Until next time,
Julius
Deteema Springs Camp
