December wildlife sightings at Xigera

As we bid farewell to 2023, the past month has unveiled a series of captivating sights. The arrival of the rainy season breathes life into the landscape and with it, the emergence of new life – from wildebeest and tsessebe calves to impala lambs, warthog piglets, and lively lion cubs. The air resonates with melodies from a diverse array of birds, and the heightened activity of insects, coupled with flourishing grasses, creates a grand conclusion to an incredible year of sightings.

Captured by Carike 

Our guides were fortunate enough to witness a leopard asserting its territorial dominance and scanning for baby impalas, presenting an exhilarating spectacle. The pursuit unfolded as the leopard chased a baby impala concealed in the bushes. Despite its swift moves, the nimble impala outpaced the leopard, skilfully evading capture.

                                                                  Captured by Des                                                                                                                        

Captured by Ike

Captured by Des

Captured by Des

A herd of buffalo was spotted to the northeast of the camp, engaging in an afternoon rendezvous by the water.

Captured by Ike  

Captured by Des 

Captured by Des

During the rainy season, elephants spread out across Botswana as seasonal pans make other areas more habitable. Witnessing elephants in the Okavango Delta is always a remarkable sight. 

Captured by Des

Captured by Des 

As this season transforms Xigera into a realm of abundance, the frequent appearances of lions continue to grace us, often catching us by delightful surprise.

Captured by Carike 

The young leopard cub is honing her hunting skills through careful observation of a herd of impalas with their babies. As she stealthily stalks towards them, her attempt proves unsuccessful due to insufficient scanning of her surroundings. A lone impala male, separated from the rest, sounds an alarm, ruining her hunt. Despite this setback, she retreats to the palm island. This encounter shows the positive influence of her mother, who has effectively imparted crucial hunting skills necessary for survival in the world of predators.

As we step into the new year, we eagerly look forward to the extraordinary scenes that will unfold while we coexist with Xigera's incredible wildlife.