August sightings at Xigera

As we approach the warmer months of September and October, temperatures have been steadily increasing at Xigera. The warmer weather and lack of rainfall leaves the flooded waterways of the Delta as the only source of water and fresh grazing. This oasis has created an abundance of magic across the Moremi Game Reserve as both predators and prey amass together to refresh at the tranquil flood plains. For guests staying at Xigera, this has produced some truly exceptional sightings. 

Photos by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Thanks to our treasured location on the Okavango Delta, we are in a privileged position at Xigera to be awarded frequent sightings of hippos. Whilst boasting incredibly thick skin that makes them vastly resilient animals, hippos are highly susceptible to sun damage. This sensitivity makes them frequent swimmers, often spending large proportions of their day submerged in our waterways. This safari captures just that, this herd of hippos enjoying the tranquil and restorative waters of the floodplains.

Photos by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Our hippos are not the only herd animals to explore and refresh in the flood's rejuvenating waters. The red lechwe - a species of antelope found specifically in floodplains and wetlands - have also been enjoying the refreshing waters, alongside the great herds of wildebeest that have made their home here in this part of Botswana. 

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Photos by Carike

The prosperity that the floodplains afford the wildlife here in Botswana has also culminated in the continued growth of a number of our herds and prides. Our treasured elephants that we so frequently see on safaris at Xigera have seen their herd's multiply over the last few months, resulting in frequent sightings of their little ones across the game reserve.

The beauty of such sightings across the floodplains are enhanced by our Mokoro tours. This month in particular, guests enjoying these unique and exceptional boat tours have bore witness to some truly incredible sightings. One Mokoro safari saw an elephant traversing the borders of the floodplains, whilst another was granted a rare sighting of a crocodile swimming just on the water's edge. With the lower waters this month, crocodile sightings have improved, attracted also by the gathering of birds across the water's surface who aim to grasp a hold of the fish that are nestled in fish traps just below.

The big cats at Xigera are also continuing to thrive. The Eastern Pride males, Prince and Reggie, have recently increased their reign, and since their takeover at the very end of July, now control the entire Xigera Pride of females. The two males can be seen walking in single file in this exceptional shot taken on one safari in early August.

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Another expansion of power was seen by a lion from the Western Pride who formed a coalition with another male from the Sisilia Pride. One safari tour followed him as he roared across the morning, until finally reaching the water where his new friend was feeding on a male lechwe with a female. The two males fought for the lioness and the meal, before the Sisilia Pride’s male marked a punch across the Western male’s face.

 Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Across the prides at Xigera, the lion cubs are continuing to grow into healthy, strong lions, and their infectious cheekiness and curiosity has brought delight to the guests and team at Xigera alike. 

Photos by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

These photos provide a mere snapshot of the beauty and magic that has blessed our safaris this August. As we continue to place great focus on conserving and supporting the natural world in which we sit, the fruitful discovery of the wildlife that lives and thrives here is always a special moment - a moment that we look forward to sharing with our guests in the upcoming months.