Deteema Springs Wildlife Stories July 2026
Weather Report
Winter reached its peak in the magnificent Hwange National Park during July.
Mornings and nights saw temperatures of between 2°C and 5°C, while midday temperatures reached between 23°C and 26°C. Although a little jolting, these conditions make predator behaviours a bit more predictable, creating consistent thrills across one of the wildest safari destinations in the world.
Hwange’s Biggest
During a chilly morning game drive, we decided to look for some of Zimbabwe's plains game. We drove as far as Dolilo Pan, and once we got there, we spotted beautiful creatures like impala and zebra.
Later during our tea and coffee break, a herd of elephants came down to drink from the natural pan. We watched the herd drink and mud-bathe for over 30 minutes, to the delight of everyone on the adventure.
Sightings Along the Way
We were on our way to the Tsamuhole area in search of a racket-tailed roller, a species best known for its unique defensive aerial display. To defend their territory, these small birds rocket down from great heights, screeching loudly and rolling from side to side before using their momentum to swoop upwards and perch in a tree.
Once, on the way to the woodland area, a cluster of lion tracks caught our attention. We followed them to a nearby pan where a pride of lions and their cubs were lying on the ground, sunbathing.
Brief Breakfast
Sometimes ordering a big breakfast is not a good idea when experiencing the wild and unpredictable African Plains. We found this out firsthand while eating our continental breakfasts when a staff member spotted a pack of African wild Dogs chasing an impala behind one of our tents.
We dropped our forks, climbed into the nearest safari vehicles, and raced after them. The chase was intense. The impala dodged their hungry jaws while the dogs coordinated to corner their prey. Eventually, the chase disappeared into the thickets, leaving us with an amazing sighting and some cold eggs.
Show Before Dinner
Just after our evening game drive, we quickly went to our tents to freshen up before dinner. The guest who was staying in tent seven, however, had a few big visitors nearby. A massive buffalo bull was drinking water down by the seeps, surrounded by a herd of elephants!
Hwange’s History
We were on a morning walk to track lions when we had an amazing close encounter with a herd of elephants. Later on that walk, we went to the dazzling petroglyphs and got a Hwange history lesson from our guide.
Located near the 18th-century Bumbusi Ruins, the ancient rock carvings depict animals like kudu, giraffe, buffalo, and the extinct quagga. Archaeologists believe the etchings were primarily created by San hunter-gatherers in the Late Stone Age, possibly continuing into the early Iron Age.
July in Hwange National Park was a month filled with exciting big game sightings. Join us soon for another Deteema Springs Camp Wildlife Report.
Until next time,
Ntandoe
Deteema Springs Camp
