June 2026 - Week 4 Roundup

21st - 27th June 2026

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Black - backed Jackal

Sighted on: 27.June.2026

During our morning tracking through Deception Valley, we observed a resident black-backed jackal actively moving through the ancient, open riverbed. This specific micro-habitat consists of wide, unwooded pan floors that offer virtually no cover for prey, a feature the jackal exploited perfectly. The individual focused its efforts entirely on hunting the high abundance of desert rodents that burrow into the fertile, soft soils of the old riverbed. Because the flat terrain lacks tall grass, the jackal relied on its exceptional hearing and keen eyesight to pinpoint the subtle rustle of small mammals emerging from their burrows, highlighting the species' role as a highly adaptive and efficient opportunistic predator in the parched Kalahari ecosystem.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Springbok

Sighted on: 27.June.2026

Further along the open plains, we observed a healthy resident breeding herd of springbok displaying classic seasonal social structures. The herd was found tightly grouped together, a defensive and social formation actively managed by a single, highly dominant male. This territorial ram was observed running perimeters and exerting immense physical effort to keep the females consolidated within the borders of his specific territory. By preventing the herd from scattering into the vast surrounding Kalahari expanse, the male ensures his genetic dominance, showcasing the intense energy expenditure required for mating rituals in a landscape where resources and partners are patchily distributed.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Oryx

Sighted on: 27.June.2026

Out in the sun-drenched, golden grasslands of the valley, we observed a mature resident oryx foraging during the heat of the day. While feeding on the arid vegetation, the individual demonstrated a fascinating and highly practical comfort behavior by utilizing its exceptionally long, straight horns to scratch its own back. This action serves as an excellent example of anatomical adaptation, where the oryx uses its natural weaponry as a precise tool for grooming, allowing it to clear biting insects and ectoparasites from hard-to-reach areas while remaining completely exposed in its wide-open foraging grounds.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Leopard

Sighted on: 27.June.2026

Near the edge of the reserve, we observed an exceptional encounter with a resident adult female leopard on the move. Rather than moving through the thick inner brush, this solitary apex predator was specifically utilizing the cleared cutline along the CKGR boundary line. By patrolling along the perimeter fence line, she capitalized on the man-made clearing for ease of movement, using the open right-of-way to walk effortlessly while scanning the flanking bush for potential game, illustrating how highly adaptable leopards are in incorporating artificial borders into their territorial patrols.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Common Ostrich

Sighted on: 27.June.2026

We observed a lone resident common ostrich steadily traversing the wide, arid plains. The giant bird was recorded foraging on the ground, picking at seasonal desert succulents and seeds scattered across the parched earth. Its constant, measured walking pace reflects the classic nomadic strategy required to survive the Kalahari, where water and rich vegetation are scarce, forcing these large birds to cover immense distances daily to sustain themselves across the shifting desert sands.daptable leopards are in incorporating artificial borders into their territorial patrols.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Lion

Sighted on: 27.June.2026

The absolute highlight of the excursion was our uninterrupted observation of a resident lion and lioness engaged in mating behavior out in the open expanse of the ancient riverbed. During active periods, the magnificent male was observed boldly utilizing the flat, unobstructed valley floor, pacing the wide terrain to monitor his immediate surroundings and ward off potential rivals. However, the sighting also perfectly illustrated the stark contrast in their survival tactics; between active courtship intervals, we observed the pair instantly fade from view by collapsing into the low-lying desert scrub and parched winter grasses. Despite their massive size, the lions utilised the minimal cover of the Kalahari bushes so masterfully that their golden coats blended seamlessly into the dry vegetation, demonstrating how these apex predators rely on minimal desert growth for essential rest and ambush camouflage on an otherwise exposed pan floor.t sands.daptable leopards are in incorporating artificial borders into their territorial patrols.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Lions

Sighted on: 24.June.2026

We had an exceptional sighting during this morning's drive in the Kudu Bush area, logging a resident lioness and her cubs. The cubs were highly active, utilizing the local termite mounds as elevated play areas and vantage points, which provided a superb viewing experience for our guests. Following this, the lioness led them down to the water, where the group was able to observe the entire pride drinking together in a relaxed and healthy condition. It was a spectacular start to the day and a perfect highlight for the lodge's daily wildlife tracking records.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Spotted Eagle Owl

Sighted on: 23.June.2026

As the sun dipped below the horizon, our afternoon safari smoothly transitioned into an exciting night drive. The bush takes on a completely different energy after dark, and it wasn't long before our spotlight caught a true nocturnal specialist. Safely illuminated under our red light filter, we sighted a magnificent Spotted Eagle-Owl. It was perched perfectly still on the branch of a blade thorn acacia, wide-eyed and alert, likely scanning the ground below as it waited for rodents or large insects to move.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Scrub Hare

Sighted on: 23.June.2026

We managed to spot a master of camouflage a Scrub Hare hunkered down in the tangled brush. The golden afternoon light caught its long, upright ears perfectly, turning them translucent and revealing the delicate network of blood vessels inside.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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Southern Yellow - Billed Hornbill

Sighted on: 23.June.2026

We were treated to a beautiful, bright view of a Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill perched proudly against the clear blue sky. Its massive, curved yellow beak and striking spotted plumage made for a perfect profile shot.

Content Creator / Photographer:

Mogomotsi Maboga

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