October sightings at Xigera

As the seasons continue to transition from winter to spring here on the Okavango Delta, we have been blessed with an array of mesmerising sightings at Xigera. The lingering waters from the winter floods have allowed for pockets of deeper lagoons to decorate our plains – pockets of water that have fostered some exceptional birdlife sightings across the reserve.

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

The birdlife here at Xigera has been returning in mass this spring as the migratory patterns continue to call them home to Botswana. One such bird is the Collared Pratincole, whose common nomadic lifestyle makes them a frequent traveller amidst the changing seasons. Their return to Botswana has made for some special moments as they boast a dazzling flash of red in flight thanks to their reddish underwing.

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Alongside the Collared Pratincole, the Pied Kingfisher has blessed many of our safaris with its repeated presence this October, a particularly special occasion due to the etymology of our name ‘Xigera’ which derives from the Pied Kingfisher’s action: ‘Xi’ meaning to hover and ‘gera’ meaning to spear or dive down.

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

October has also seen the early arrival of the Yellow Billed Kite whose residence in Botswana tends to vary from November to April. This majestic bird can be seen poised just below and often inspires excitement from our guests.

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Alongside our bird life, the Big Cats of Xigera have brought our guests some incredible moments this October, including our resident leopard, Sophie, and her two cubs who have been seen playfighting in the grasslands.

Photo by Ben Seager

However, as always in Xigera, we must also keep our eyes on the skies, a feat rewarded with some beautiful moments of Sophie and her two cubs traversing the branches on one recent safari.

Photos by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

The lions of the Western Pride have also continued to thrive and appear to be going into the summer months vivacious and full of life. One safari even saw the Xigera Pride successfully make a kill, feeding the pride’s nine cubs, two males, and three females.

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Photo by Oratile Gotshajwang

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Finally, we are privileged with our herd animals here at Xigera, each of whom offered some exceptional moments across the month. The hippos that reside here inspired great excitement as they danced amongst the water, as did the elephant herds that continue to breed across the Moremi Game Reserve on which we sit.

Photo by Ikalaheng Mogalakwe

Photo by Oratile Gotshajwang

The waterways and grasslands boast excellent playgrounds for the elephant calves. Playful and energetic, it is no surprise that sightings such as these continue to prove highlights amongst our guests.

Photos by Oratile Gotshajwang