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July 2026 - Week 3 Roundup
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
12th - 18th July 2026
Cheetah
Sighted on: 18.July.2026
Today's half-day adventure into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve delivered some truly memorable predator sightings.
As we approached Kukama Pan, we encountered a magnificent male cheetah patiently scanning the open plains. It was clearly in hunting mode, carefully stalking a nearby herd of springbok. However, the springbok had already detected the predator, bringing the hunt to an end after a short chase. Despite the unsuccessful hunt, the soft morning light gave us an incredible opportunity to capture stunning photographs of this elegant cat.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Caracal
Sighted on: 18.July.2026
Later, on the Deception Valley Loop, we were fortunate to spot a caracal. This elusive cat was actively hunting small birds and remained surprisingly relaxed despite our presence, briefly observing the vehicle before continuing its hunt.
These two predator sightings made for a memorable morning, highlighting the patience and stealth that define life in the Central Kalahari.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Kalahari Scrub Hare
Sighted on: 17.July.2026
We spent time watching the behavior of a Kalahari Scrub Hare as it fed quietly along the roadside. It remained alert throughout, frequently rotating its large ears to detect any signs of danger while pausing to scan its surroundings.
Its excellent camouflage allowed it to blend seamlessly into the dry Kalahari vegetation, providing a fascinating wildlife observation.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Greater Kudu
Sighted on: 16.July.2026
A lone male kudu was captured by the trap camera near the lodge water on a cool, sunny day. Its beautiful spiral horns were clearly visible, and its facial markings made the antelope stand out, complementing the clear, beautiful day.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Woodpecker
Sighted on: 15.July.2026
During midday in the Kalahari, we watched a woodpecker meticulously chiselling and cleaning its perfectly round nesting hole in a tree trunk. These cavities are later used by squirrels, bats, and other small mammals, making woodpeckers vital ecosystem engineers.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Flap - necked Chameleon
Sighted on: 13.July.2026
Flap-necked Chameleons are usually quiet and well hidden during the cold months, but this little climber clearly didn't read the rule book!
Taking advantage of the warm sunshine, it emerged to bask—proving that even in winter, the Kalahari is full of surprises.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Elephants
Sighted on: 13.July.2026
The afternoon was amazing because our barman was surprisingly challenged by three guest visitors requesting drinks on the house; however, we referred them to a water pan to quench their thirst. It was a remarkable sight: single and double shots were taken from the pan. A single sip was equivalent to 8 to 10 liters before the trunk curled into their mouth, splashing water into their body as they drank.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Black Mamba
Sighted on: 12.July.2026
An exceptional winter afternoon in the Kalahari produced two black mamba sightings within less than 20 minutes. The first was a juvenile black mamba, followed shortly by an adult black mamba estimated at approximately 2.5 metres in length.
The adult was observed actively basking and moving through the branches of a Purple Pod Terminalia, taking advantage of the warm winter sun after a period of cooler weather.
Such increased activity is typical during the winter mating season, when black mambas become more visible as they bask to regulate body temperature and move more frequently across their range.
Content Creator / Photographer:
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