Mana River Camp Wildlife Stories September 2026
Weather Report
September at Mana River Camp had some of the year's best weather. Mornings and nights were cool, perfect for catching predators in the middle of a hunt, while middays were so hot that countless species congregated around permanent water sources.
Wait Your Turn
During a morning game drive, we were all very relaxed and in no rush to reach our destination. We knew there were lions and hyenas nearby, where we had previously seen an eland carcass, but when we saw the vultures waiting in the trees, it was confirmed that they were still there.
As we drove closer, we saw a pride of lions feeding on the eland while the hyenas watched from a distance. They knew better than to challenge a pride of lions over a kill. Instead, they just watched patiently for their turn.
Little Ones Incoming
It was on another morning game drive that we decided to go look for the famous Boswell the Elephant. Famed for his ability to stand on his hind legs to pick the best leaves and fruit from the tops of trees, our guests were excited to meet him.
Little did we know that on our way to Boswell’s last known location, a troop of baboons would grab our attention and eventually lead us to two lions mating in a gulley. We slowly approached them, maintaining a respectful distance, and watched them mate a few more times in a few minutes before we left them, beaming from the amazing sighting.
Two-In-One
We were driving along Nkupe Road when we spotted a few elephant bulls. We approached them slowly, but before we made it halfway towards them, two hyenas appeared out of some bushes. We stopped and observed them for a while before heading back to the elephants, where we saw our favourite bull, Boswell, standing around with the others.
Boris The Elephant
On one of the final days of September, a few of our guests wanted to see the beautiful blue forest in Mana Pool National Park. So, we headed to our destination, and what we found there was spectacular.
Boris, one of the elephants we see from time to time, was there standing on its hind legs just like Boswell. Who knows, maybe we'll see all the elephants in Mana Pools start standing on their hind legs like Boswell, Boris, and the other inspired elephants.
September at Mana Pools National Park was one for the books. Come back soon for another Machaba Safaris Wildlife Story!
Until next time,
Cloud
Mana River Camp
