Verney's Camp Wildlife Stories August 2026
Weather Report
Welcome, Summer, we have been waiting for you!
As winter finally loosened its grip on Southern Africa, we are overjoyed at the longer days, brighter skies, and warmer weather. Most recently, we haven’t needed to reach for warm layers when going on early morning or night safaris. Instead, the familiar warmth of the African sun radiates across the plains and Verney’s Camp in Hwange National Park.
This seasonal change has brought a welcome shift to camp. More time was spent outdoors, enjoying the longer days, beautiful afternoons, and warm evenings. A complete transformation from the winter safari experience.
Brotherly Love
Early in August, we encountered two male cheetahs known as the Cheeseboys resting near a termite mound. Although seemingly at complete ease, the pair still kept alert, scanning the area for prey or possible threats. One was positioned high atop the mound, giving himself the perfect vantage point, while his brother relaxed below.
As we watched them, the realisation that these brothers were a male cheetah coalition was remarkable. Normally, big cats go it alone, but not them. These two cheetahs remained side-by-side, sharing the challenges of survival as a team.
As we continued to watch, their close bond was evident in their occasional grooming. Knowing that cheetahs are under constant pressure from lions, leopards, and other predators makes this peaceful moment even more mesmerising.
The Perfect Pack
During a game drive, a pack of African wild dogs suddenly appeared in front of us. The mood within the vehicle instantly changed, with everyone leaning forward in anticipation of what these incredibly successful pack hunters were up to. They moved with precision and purpose through the bush. Their ears were constantly twitching and their noses sniffing for the faintest whiff of their next meal. They displayed exceptional teamwork as some forged ahead while others followed closely behind, constantly communicating with each other.
We watched in complete fascination as the dogs noticed a nearby impala. The dogs pressed forward, trying to avoid being detected while creating a sense of anticipation that made the hairs stand on the back of our necks. We continued to watch them for a while, until the pack disappeared behind a bush, leaving us with a buzzing sense of excitement.
Time Stood Still
What began as a quiet afternoon in camp quickly turned into a wildlife encounter that put the whole of Verney’s Camp on pause. We were relaxing between safari adventures when a herd of over 50 eland antelope emerged from the surrounding bush on the south side of camp. One by one, they made their way to the watering hole near camp, and as the numbers increased, the once quiet landscape came alive.
As Africa’s largest antelope, eland are impressive on their own, but seeing 50 coming towards you is an experience not many have the pleasure of. For a moment, time stood still as we happily watched a herd of beautiful animals quench their thirst.
Mystery Solved
For several weeks, we had been looking for a lioness that had gone missing from a resident pride of lions. Despite searching the area, there was no sign of her until she returned to the pride with swollen mammary glands. Her disappearance had finally been solved. She was clearly nursing cubs in the deep bush.
Then, during a morning game drive, the same lioness emerged from a bush with tiny shapes moving behind her. One by one, her cubs appeared from the bush and cautiously followed their mother into the open. They stayed close to her, exploring the area, stumbling through the grass and occasionally breaking into play fighting.
From then on, the new cubs began learning the rules of life, playing with other cubs, watching the adults, and slowly developing the skills they need to survive on their own in the not-too-distant future.
Don’t Even Try
It was a cool, quiet morning when we went out on a safari adventure in Hwange National Park. Almost an hour into the drive, our guide spotted something that looked like a hyena running from something in the distance. He picked up his binoculars and spotted a lioness walking through the grass.
As we drove closer, we saw two lionesses and a young male gathered around a freshly killed kudu. We were captivated by the sight of the lions tearing into their kill, their powerful presence creating a dramatic spectacle. Now and then, they paused to look up for any approaching competitors.
What started as a peaceful morning drive turned into a front-row seat to the harsh reality of living in the wilderness.
Verney’s Camp spoiled us with some of the best batches of sightings this year, and we can’t wait to tell you what September has in store.
Until next time,
David
Verney’s Camp
