Verney’s Camp Wildlife Stories August 2025
August marked the middle of winter in Africa, but thanks to the consistent, clear skies and midday heat, one would never guess this is one of the coldest months in Hwange National Park. The chilly mornings and evenings were when one took notice of the cooler temperatures, and we always had hot water bottles at the ready. Despite the chill, these times were the best for exciting wildlife sightings.
Lion’s Watchful Eye
At Manga One Pan, we came across a pride of three lionesses and one male lion resting near the water’s edge. Their reflections shimmered on the water's surface as the lone male lazed about in the open while some of the females groomed each other. The rest kept a lazy gaze on the surroundings.
This sighting showed the calmness of predators at rest. Even when they were not actively hunting, they still monitored the small herd of impala in the distance.
Hungry Hyenas
There they were, a clan of hyenas that had brought down a large male kudu, and the atmosphere was already charged with intensity when we arrived on the scene. Their cackles echoed in the distance, calling the rest of their members to join the feast.
What we saw could only be described as a feeding frenzy. Hyenas jostled for a spot to tear a piece of flesh from the kudu. Dust, growls and colliding bodies were par for the course during feeding time, and we had a front row seat.
Cheetah…Tracked!
After patiently following fresh tracks in the soft sand, we located a female cheetah resting in the shade of an acacia tree. Despite our presence, she was completely relaxed. Her long, sleek body was stretched out gracefully on the ground. She occasionally lifted her head to scan the plains for her next meal or threat.
We took out our cameras and started taking pictures. As we captured the cheetahs' beauty, we marvelled at the intricate details that make a cheetah so unique. The dark tear marks framing her face, the light golden coat that effortlessly blends into the surroundings and the black spots on her stomach.
What a beauty.
Leopard On The Prowl
During another game drive, our guide's sharp eyes spotted something moving in a nearby thicket. To our amazement, it was a leopard stalking a steenbok. With each deliberate movement, its muscles rippled underneath its coat.
The steenbok, still unaware, was just a short distance away. The leopard crouched low, measured every step and pounced. Unfortunately, the hunt didn’t result in a meal for the hunter, but some of our guests were relieved that the steenbok got to live another day.
August was a fantastic month at Verney’s Camp. Come back next month for another Wildlife Stories blog with Verney’s Camp.
Until next time,
Lungani
Verney’s Camp
