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April 2026 - Week 3 Roundup
- Apr 13
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 17
Ostrich
Sighted on: 16.April.2026
During our day trip through the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, we encountered a prime example of the Kalahari’s sexual dimorphism in ostriches. The male was highly conspicuous, sporting a coat of dense, onyx-black body feathers that contrasted sharply with his snow-white primary wing feathers and tail plumes.
In the surrounding scrub, we identified several females. Their coloration is far more cryptic, consisting of muted slate-greys and earthy browns. This "dusty" palette allows them to blend perfectly into the heat haze and the grey-brown soils of the CKGR, a vital defense mechanism for ground-nesting birds in such an open environment.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Flap-necked Chameleon
Sighted on: 15.April.2026
A beautiful flap-necked chameleon (Chamaeleo dilepis) was spotted this morning, perched prominently at the top of a brandy-bush (Grewia flava). It was perfectly positioned to catch the first rays of the rising sun—a critical behavior that helps raise its body temperature and activate its metabolism after the cool night.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Pale Chanting Goshawk
Sighted on: 14.April.2026
During this morning’s game drive, we had a fantastic sighting today of a juvenile Pale Chanting Goshawk, which provided a perfect look at the species' iconic perching abilities. Even with its immature, streaked plumage, the bird was already demonstrating the "sentinel" behavior typical of the species, maintaining a high vantage point to scan the ground for movement. These perches are essential for their hunting success, as they allow the raptor to spot small prey like lizards and insects from a significant distance before dropping down to strike.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Lions
Sighted on: 13.April.2026
During this morning’s game drive, we watched two sub-adult lions engaged in a serious wrestling match. The lighting was perfect—you could see the sun catching the rim of their coats as they went at it.
It’s always incredible to witness this level of play-fighting. While it may look like fun, you can clearly see them practicing the pouncing and swiping techniques they’ll need for hunting later on. The way they kicked up the dust in that golden light made for a truly memorable moment.
Content Creator / Photographer:
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