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September 2026 - Week 3 Roundup
Updated: Sep 21
13th- 19th September 2026
Lion & Snake
Sighted on: 19.September.2026
We recorded notable wildlife observations across today's field operations, highlighting both predator dynamics and reptile diversity within the reserve.
During our morning patrols, we encountered a group of subadult lions (Panthera leo) from the main resident pride. The young lions were observed resting along the sandy vehicle tracks and standing alert, showcasing healthy body condition, strong social cohesion, and active spatial monitoring as they develop within the pride's home range.
Additionally, we logged a striking reptile sighting, observing a snake navigating through the dense, thorny branches of the acacia thickets. Documenting these diverse micro-habitats and predator movements provides comprehensive ecological tracking data for our ongoing reserve logs.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Lion & Blue Wildebeest
Sighted on: 18.September.2026
We recorded noteworthy behavioral observations during today's morning game drive, documenting key spatial dynamics between resident predators and plains game.
We encountered a subadult male lion (Panthera leo) resting along the sandy vehicle track. The lion exhibited typical thermoregulation behavior, stretching and letting out a deep yawn as he surveyed the immediate vicinity.
Further along the drive, we logged a solitary Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) standing vigilant in an open pan clearing. The wildebeest maintained high spatial awareness, scanning the scrub line before resuming movement across the terrain.
Documenting predator activity alongside ungulate alertness during game drives provides key tracking data on animal distribution across our transit routes.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Lion & Black-backed Jackal
Sighted on: 17.September.2026
During the afternoon, a prime adult male lion sauntered up to the waterhole clearing and settled down in the open grass. With his dark-tinted mane and calm posture, he showed total confidence as flocking Helmeted picked their way around him. Guests had an incredible armchair-safari view, watching an apex predator from the safety and comfort of the main deck.
We also logged a Black-backed Jackal trotting through the surrounding sand, scanning the area near the waterhole for small prey or scavenged bits.
Having a dominant male drop by the lodge waterhole provided a fantastic highlight for guests while showing how vital these water points are during dry spells in the reserve.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Lioness, Western Barn Owl & Chameleon
Sighted on: 16.September.2026
We recorded a major predatory event during today's field operations, tracking a lioness (Panthera leo) observed feeding on a freshly killed adult Kudu bull (Tragelaphus strepsiceros).
Field observations indicated a recent, high-energy hunt, with the lioness actively feeding on the carcass before moving off toward a nearby waterhole to rehydrate. Documenting the kill site provided clear evidence of successful large-ungulate predation within the territory, highlighting predator-prey dynamics and post-feeding hydration behavior in the Kalahari ecosystem.
Combined with our daytime chameleon find and nighttime sightings of the Western Barn Owl pair and resting lioness, today offered guests a complete view of ecosystem interactions.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Lion
Sighted on: 15.September.2026
We recorded noteworthy behavioral observations today regarding subadult lion (Panthera leo) movement and pride cohesion within the reserve.
We observed the subadult male actively trailing fresh spoor along the sandy vehicle track, routinely pausing to inspect scent marks left by his pride members. Utilizing his flehmen response to process pheromones, the young lion demonstrated classic olfactory communication, relying on olfactory cues to track and reconnect with the pride movement across open terrain.
Monitoring scent-tracking and trail-following behavior in subadults provides valuable insights into pride social structures, spatial awareness, and the early stages of male dispersal dynamics in the Central Kalahari ecosystem.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Lion & Steenbok Ram
Sighted on: 14.September.2026
During our drive, we located a sub-adult male lion lying low in the shade of a dense acacia thicket, resting to conserve energy. Close observation showed a young nomad clearly in transition: a lean, growing frame, a developing blonde mane, and a distinctly cautious demeanor.
Spatial tracking reveals this solitary male has navigated into a precarious position, caught in a high-risk buffer zone sandwiched directly between the dominant resident male to the east and a coalition of two powerful males holding territory to the west. Restricted from entering either core hunting ground, his immediate strategy relies on low daytime profile, scent avoidance, and staying tucked into thick cover to avoid detection by rival males.
We also logged a solitary Steenbok ram (Raphicerus campestris) standing alert in the dry yellow grass before retreating into cover.
Tracking this young male's movement through such tight territorial boundaries provided a compelling look at Kalahari lion dispersal, spatial pressure, and survival tactics for our guests today.
Content Creator / Photographer:
Mogomotsi Maboga
Chinspot Batis & Black-chested Prinia
Sighted on: 13.September.2026
The Small, Elusive Ones in Kalahari
This afternoon, during a short drive in our reserve, we managed to capture two of the most challenging small birds to photograph- quick, restless and often disappearing into the vegetation before the camera is ready.
Our sightings included a Chinspot Batis and a Black-chested Prinia, both rewarding encounters that required patience, sharp eyes and a little bit of luck.
Sometimes, it’s not the big game that makes a short drive memorable- the smallest sightings can be the greatest photographic victories.
Content Creator / Photographer:
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