March sightings at Xigera

With the close of another month at Xigera Safari Lodge, we have taken time once again to reflect on the wonderful sightings of the past month. We have been blessed with some moments of extraordinary wonder this March. Thunderous rain clouds have added an ambience of moodiness to the terrain, whilst the ponds and lagoons afforded by the recent rainfall have brought forth some endearingly playful moments from our wildlife. In this latest sightings blog, discover some of the unforgettable wildlife encounters and the stories told by the Moremi Game Reserve.

Photos by Des

The dramatic ambience bestowed by March's rainclouds created a magnificent backdrop for all our guests experiencing everything on offer at Xigera Safari Lodge, whilst their looming darkness instilled a sense of stillness across the plains. Such moodiness is evidenced above by the sightings of a bull elephant and the giraffe that wandered across the Moremi Game Reserve.

Photos by Des

A moment of unforgettable drama, however, manifested in a sighting of one of our beloved leopards. The event occurred during an afternoon tour after we received a call about a leopard sighting nearby. To our astonishment, this leopard was found lounging in the grasslands mere metres from our vehicle. Unbeknown to most, however, was the pack of wild dogs hunting close by.

As the leopard rose from her resting place, she caught the attention of the pack's puppies, who alerted the rest of the group with their shrill barks. The pack pursued the leopard across the floodplains, creating a remarkable moment of intense trepidation. The suspense of the event found relief as she found refuge in a Jackalberry Tree where she waited out the dogs' attack. Above, we can see her attentively watching their activity below before a hesitant descent. It was a moment that captured the unwavering attention of the entire group and reminded us once again of the sometimes fierce competition of the wilderness.

Photo by Des

Wild dogs are always an incredible sighting for our guests and guides. Over the last two years since we opened, these incredible animals have been a regular visitor to Xigera. Also known as “painted dogs” they are the largest wild canine in Africa and have been listed on the endangered list since 1990; for us to have these magnificent animals visit us is always a very special treat. They have a highly social structure in each pack, dominated by an Alpha male and an Alpha female.

Photos by Des

March also saw us welcome a new male lion to the Eastern side. Here he can be seen enjoying a tranquil rest amidst the blooming grasslands.

Photo by Des

The Eastern side also welcomed some exceptional cheetah sightings - one of Africa's more timid big cats. Their shyer nature and adeptness at camouflaging in the sandy grasslands make them a rare but treasured revelation. Recently, however, this side of the Moremi Game Reserve has provided some astounding moments. One safari was particularly blessed as a cheetah meandered just footsteps from our vehicle, whilst other guests had the memorable event of witnessing a cheetah patrolling the grounds outside their suite.

Photos by Des

As each month draws to a close, we approach the next with gratitude and excitement. As we roll into the drier months of April and May, and the suspense of the floods' return, we look forward to sharing with our guests the mirage of wonderful moments to come.