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September 2026 - Week 2 Roundup
Updated: Sep 16
6th- 12th September 2026
Lioness
Sighted on: 12.September.2026
This morning, a sighting from a northern pride, which is usually very shy and hard to see was different for this lioness. After spotting her and four other sub-adults, who darted through the bushes upon hearing the vehicle approach the kill area, she—as the oldest among the pride—gathered her courage to remain guarding the morning fresh feast while the others disappeared from our sight. That did not come easily for her as she was shy and avoided eye contact with us in the game viewer.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Kesegofetse Hlabile
Pied Crow, Wildebeest, Slender Mongoose & Greater Kudu
Sighted on: 11.September.2026
Today’s the action shifted to out private waterhole:
Pied Crow: A Pied Crow was observed during the heat of the day perched prominently on a dead tree overlooking the lodge surroundings. Its contrasting black-and-white plumage was clearly visible as it scanned the area from its elevated position. Like many corvids, Pied Crows are highly adaptable and opportunistic feeders, making use of a wide variety of food sources available around the reserve.
Wildebeest: A solo Wildebeest made its appearance around the lodge bushes slowly way to the waterhole. The individual displayed the characteristic dark coat, curved horns and long facial profile of this iconic Kalahari antelope.
Slender Mongoose: This morning a Slender mongoose was also recorded in the lodge thickets. This small, agile carnivore is often seen moving quickly through the vegetation actively searching for insects, small reptiles, rodents and other prey. Their secretive and fast-moving nature can make them a rewarding sighting for keen observers.
Greater Kudu: The Kudu herd added to the waterhole traffic, coming in to drink while remaining alert to its surroundings. The young male's impressive first twist of its maturing spiral horns and striped body make it one of the most recognisable antelopes of the African bush. At a waterhole, vigilance is particularly important, as animals must balance their need for water with the potential presence of predators.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Giraffe, Impala, Helmeted Guineafowl & Lion
Sighted on: 10.September.2026
We recorded exceptional wildlife encounters across today's morning, afternoon, and night drives.
During the day, we logged a pair of Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) browsing along the acacia thornveld, giving guests great views as they reached high into the canopy. Later in the afternoon, we observed a herd of impala (Aepyceros melampus) and Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) foraging together in the golden sunset light.
Our night drive yielded an outstanding apex predator encounter, catching up with members of the lion pride resting directly on the sandy track. Guests enjoyed close-up views of a lioness relaxing while a young lion stood alert nearby, offering a clear look at nocturnal pride social dynamics and territorial behavior.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Rock Monitor, Leopard Spoor & Impala
Sighted on: 09.September.2026
Today’s game drive unfolded with a fascinating mix of sightings across the reserve.
Our first encounter was with a Rock Monitor, tucked against a tree trunk and offering an incredible close-up view of its powerful build, watchful eye and massive curved claws gripping the bark. A remarkable glimpse of this reptile’s natural climbing ability.
Later, fresh leopard spoor on the sandy track revealed the movements of a big cat through its territory. Following the trail, we soon came across a herd of impala and a flock of Helmeted Guineafowl, both foraging in the golden evening light while remaining alert to their surroundings.
From an impressive reptile encounter to tracking a leopard and observing wary herbivores and birds, the day offered a beautiful reminder that every drive through the bush holds a story waiting to unfold.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Leopard
Sighted on: 08.September.2026
A remarkable predator encounter unfolded along the Deception Valley boundary during a routine perimeter patrol.
A female leopard was spotted stalking through the tall, dry grass, using the golden cover to remain almost invisible. With the engine switched off and the surroundings undisturbed, we watched as she patiently closed in before making a swift and successful strike on a Red-billed Spurfowl.
She retrieved her prize and disappeared deeper into the bush, leaving us with a rare glimpse into the quiet precision of a leopard on the hunt.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Zebra
Sighted on: 06.September.2026
A routine reserve boundary patrol turned into a memorable wildlife encounter when we came across a small dazzle of Plains Zebras (Equus quagga) moving alongside the perimeter track.
The group paused near the fence line, with one zebra standing perfectly alert, its striking black-and-white stripes contrasting beautifully against the open scrubland.
Beyond the thrill of the sighting, moments like these highlight the value of combining daily conservation operations with wildlife monitoring- helping us understand animal movements and interactions across the reserve’s boundaries.
Content Creator / Photographer:
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