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May 2026 - Week 4 Roundup
Updated: Jun 2
24th - 3oth May 2026
Lion
Sighted on: 30.May.2026
On the very next morning's game drive, the bush rewarded us with an unforgettable, top-tier predator encounter: a magnificent group of six subadult lions resting shoulder-to-shoulder in the thick scrub. These young cubs were likely left hidden in the safety of the vegetation by their mothers, who had probably headed out on a hunt.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Kori Bustard
Sighted on: 29.May.2026
The grasslands of the Central Kalahari never disappoint. On every day trip, one of the most impressive terrestrial birds to encounter is the Kori Bustard—walking majestically across the open plains with confidence and grace. Its presence is a true symbol of the vast wilderness of the CKGR.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Gemsbok
Sighted on: 29.May.2026
The ultimate icon of the dunes, these striking antelopes possess a specialized internal cooling system that protects their brains from the intense heat while they graze the wide-open pans.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Common Ostrich
Sighted on: 29.May.2026
Moving gracefully through the winter cover, these giants navigate extreme desert temperature shifts by effortlessly adjusting their plumage to trap air or release body heat.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Steinbok
Sighted on: 29.May.2026
A true marvel of independence, this beautiful, large-eared little antelope thrives without ever needing a drink of standing water, extracting every drop of moisture from a selective diet of succulent leaves and hidden tubers.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Secretary Bird
Sighted on: 29.May.2026
Unlike typical birds of prey, this elegant raptor patrols the golden grasslands entirely on foot, walking miles to flush out prey and using powerful, lightning-fast stamps to hunt.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Cape Ground Squirrel
Sighted on: 29.May.2026
These charismatic little sentinels stand tall on their hind legs to scan the horizon, cleverly curling their bushy tails over their heads like personal umbrellas to beat the midday sun.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Oryx
Sighted on: 28.May.2026
Our day trip to the CKGR delivered one of those classic Kalahari moments — a mirage-filled open grassland where only the horns of the Oryx could be seen rising above the golden plains. A true test of observation in the Central Kalahari, where the landscape hides wildlife in plain sight. The stillness, endless grass, and scattered horns created a memorable sighting that perfectly captures the beauty and illusion of the Kalahari wilderness.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Flora
Sighted on: 27.May.2026
The beauty of the Kalahari is not only in the big game, but also in the quiet details hidden along the bush trails. From delicate white blossoms to the glowing seeds carried by the wind, nature always finds a way to slow the moment down. These small wonders remind us that every drive, every walk, and every pause in the Kalahari carries its own story.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Giraffe
Sighted on: 26.May.2026
During our afternoon game drive we observed a poignant moment of social interaction between two giraffes (an adult and a sub-adult) in a localized clearing.
The image, captured by Zizie, shows the pair engaged in tactile social bonding and mutual grooming. In the vastness of the Kalahari, these quiet interactions are essential for maintaining the social hierarchy and cohesion of the herd. The sub-adult’s posture, leaning into the larger adult, suggests a high level of trust and security, likely reinforced by the open terrain which allowed them to remain relaxed while maintaining a clear 360-degree view of their surroundings.
The lighting was optimal, highlighting the unique ossicones and intricate coat patterns. This sighting serves as a beautiful example of the peaceful, complex social lives of these giants when they are undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Photo Credit: Zizie Seitaa
Captions: Mogomotsi Maboga
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa & Mogomotsi Maboga
Lion
Sighted on: 25.May.2026
We had an incredible encounter with three male subadult lions as they moved stealthily through the bush on a hunt. Their focus, coordination, and raw power were mesmerizing to witness, making it a truly unforgettable moment in the wild.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Giraffe
Sighted on: 25.May.2026
As the sun faded over the Kalahari, a few giraffes crossed quietly through the bushveld, and with perfect lens focus, I managed to capture this beautiful silhouette shot.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Zizie Seitaa
Plains Zebra
Sighted on: 24.May.2026
During our afternoon game drive, we had a high-stakes sighting of a Plains zebra mare and her foal (estimated at 2 weeks old) utilizing the open ground of the airstrip.
The mare bore a visible claw mark on her flanks, a stark reminder of the constant predator pressure in the area. It appears she is intentionally utilizing the open strips of the airstrip as a defensive strategy; the clear lines of sight allow her to spot any approaching threats early, providing a safer environment for her young foal to nurse and rest.
Despite the evidence of a recent encounter, the mare appeared alert and the foal was in good condition, successfully nursing while they moved across the open terrain.
Content Creator / Photographer:
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