November sightings at Xigera

The month began with an attempted pride takeover by the two unknown male lions, who were first seen in the Xigera area last month. Guides spotted one of the resident female lions with a gaping wound on her back and, after a brief search, she was identified as Boitumelo, the nursing mother of three. Thankfully, Boitumelo is doing well and so are her three cubs.  

Picture by Ike Mogalakwe 

The males are still in the territory and Boitumelo is on high alert, moving her cubs frequently to keep them out of danger. This is one of the male intruders eating a male red lechwe. We believe two male red lechwe fought to death, so this was easy prey for this male lion. 

Picture by Ike Mogalakwe 

We have been watching the two ostriches on the nest just above the airstrip for some time. The nest was out in the open but their new arrivals came safely into the world. This is a very vulnerable time for the ostrich chicks due to their small size. 

Picture by Ike Mogalakwe 

Sophie the leopard was sighted up in a leadwood tree. 

Pictures by Ike Mogalakwe 

Amy and Elisa caught a good sighting of the territorial dispute between two male lions. 

Pictures by Ike Mogalakwe 

The birds at Xigera take their colours from the sky and light, as demonstrated by this yellow billed stork. Our guide Salani Gambule tells us that in order to view birds and take impressive photographs, it is vital to “become part of the silence”. 

Picture by Ike Mogalakwe 

The second week of November brought several fantastic Xigera sightings, including Motlalepula the leopard, seen hunting along Nare Road. This was the second time she has been found in this area recently, and we suspect her two cubs are not far from her.  

Picture by Ike Mogalakwe 

Leopard sightings continued to increase throughout November. 

Pictures by Ike Mogalakwe 

With the flood waters dropping there is plenty of food available for the wildlife around the lodge. The image below captures the view towards Suite 12.  

Picture by Mike Myers 

The two brother leopards - who began their lives with a short stay in Suite 2 - are now fully grown and have been sighted recently, identified by their facial spot patterns. It has been a rare privilege to see them grow up here at Xigera. They have separated and are now seen in different parts of the Xigera area, but both are doing well.  

Pictures by Mike Myers 

As November is just before the rainy season, the diversity of game and birdlife has been particularly impressive in recent weeks. Here, you’ll see a pod of pelicans, gathered in the shallow waters where fish have been trapped.  

Pictures by Ike Mogalakwe 

Here are two more images of the fish traps around Xigera. The wider image gives a sense of the scale and the close up demonstrates the action of the scene. They really are a spectacular sight. 

Pictures by Mike Myers 

Late November saw plenty of successful hunts, starting with Sisilia and her lechwe kill. Sisilia's daughter can also been seen below, holding a lechwe lamb.  

Pictures by Ike Mogalakwe 

Motlalepula's son has also been hanging around not too far from the lodge. He made a kill near our boat jetty, so we have been lucky enough to see some amazing sightings of him during the final week of November.  

Pictures by Oratile Gotshajwang 

November has also brought an influx of baby animals, with impalas, wildebeest, tsessebe and many others giving birth to young in recent weeks. 

Picture by Oratile Gotshajwang 

Sisilia has raised and taught her cubs so well. One of her daughters was away and her sister took care of the cubs by herself, taking the cubs to drink after feasting on a baby lechwe kill. The cubs look happy and healthy and it’s clear that the young mother is doing a good job. 

Pictures by Oratile Gotshajwang 

Kudu males are beautiful specimen out here in Xigera. It’s particularly special to see them on their termite mound vantage point. They are often seen up high, as they like to be aware of their surroundings. 

Pictures by Oratile Gotshajwang 

The majestic elephants are engineering the delta ecosystem as they move around the area. Without elephants as the keystone species, the delta would be subject to blockages where tonnes of sediment brought in by the floods each year settle. 

Picture by Oratile Gotshajwang 

Take a look at our land excursions page for more information on the types of safaris we offer.