Mana River Camp Wildlife Stories July 2026
Weather Report
Spring is here, and with it, the beautifully alluring Mana Pools National Park has slowly started to warm up. July was smack dab in the middle of the Southern African winter dry season, leaving much of the region's vegetation parched, but soon, the life-giving rains will return and turn the arid landscape into a spectacular, lush wildlife haven.
Painted Puppies
We left camp after our midday iced coffee and chocolate cake to visit the den of local painted wild dogs near the Cheruwe area. When we arrived, we could hear the adults calling out to the pack. A short time later, four dogs appeared right in front of us and headed towards the den.
A while back, we noticed a new litter was born, unfortunately, we couldn't see exactly how many puppies there were because they were still hidden in the burrow. Nonetheless, the parents who arrived at the den with us regurgitated some food for the puppies to feed on.
Dogs On The Chase
During an early morning game drive, we spotted a pack of wild dogs chasing an impala with a group of hyenas following closely behind. The dogs swiftly caught the impala and started tearing it apart while it was still alive.
The hyenas soon joined the feeding frenzy. The wild dogs did not like that at all and started fighting the scavengers before more hyenas arrived. The fighting went back and forth for a while until the hyenas eventually prevailed and devoured the impala.
Afternoon Rosette
We left camp late one afternoon for an evening sundowner at one of the many picturesque spots in Mana Pools National Park. After a little driving, we found a spot and set out a small table to share some drinks. After a while, a leopard appeared and started drinking water next to the shoreline.
Standing Ovation
On one of the final days of July, we shared a continental breakfast right before going out on a game drive. Little did we know we’d be seeing some of Boswell the standing elephant’s successors. Boris, another well-known elephant who stands on his legs, was with a younger, unnamed elephant who was standing up tall. Now, it looks like we have three elephants who know how to stand up on their hind legs.
July was a fantastic month for wildlife viewing. Join us soon for another exciting Mana River Camp Wildlife Story.
Until next time,
Emmanuel & Cloud
Mana River Camp
