October is famously hot in the Okavango Delta, and temperatures rose to around 42° Celsius, then dropped in the evenings to a comfortable 22° C. Our guests wrapped themselves in wet kikois for the cooling effect of the breeze on their game-drive vehicle manoeuvres around the floodplains. Guests’ rooms are also well aerated, and they slept peacefully.
The vegetation is fairly green all around, thanks to the underground water that the plants take advantage of. We were blessed with some rain showers one afternoon, which also made a huge difference, and the ground is now covered with a blanket of green. The eastern side of the concession still has a lot of water from the annual inundation, and is not drivable as the vehicles get stuck in the muddy clay.
Wildlife and birds around Vumbura Plains
Migratory bird species are being seen, including southern carmine bee-eaters, as well as a few early babies and general new life around the floodplains. Due to the rate of evaporation some common road crossings have dried up and are already sandy, and the vehicles are traversing them with ease.

Sightings have been truly incredible, especially as the pack of 36 wild dogs (including the puppies) would grace us with its presence from time to time. They regularly leave the area for a while, and then reappear totally unexpectedly.
A leopard nursing two cubs has also been spotted; she tries very hard to hide the cubs but not always successfully, as our guides have realised, and they wait patiently to see this thrilling new life.
The Kubu Pride of lions continues to dominate and chase other predators away – including a cheetah that was spotted running away from an area where the pride was having a meal of an elephant that died of natural causes.
Botswana’s Olympians cause a stir at Vumbura Plains
We were proud and grateful to host the Botswana Olympics team for a few days. Our signature bush picnic experience was a great hit and we loved seeing the team members’ jaws drop when they arrived at our secret picnic spot set in the deep, cool shade of a rain tree en route to camp during their airstrip transfer. They were elated and there was non-stop ululating from our team. The trip was a treat for the athletes after all doing so well at the recent Paris Olympics, and was organised by the Government of Botswana, HATAB, and the Botswana National Olympic Committee.

Camp news
The General Manager took some of the weaving ladies to cut the special grass that they use for creating their baskets. These ladies play a pivotal role in showing off their culture to guests, including a fascinating tutorial on how they make these woven baskets, which are synonymous with Bayei and Bambukushu culture.
Staff news
Despite the heat, the Kwedi Sables football team took advantage of a quiet day in camp and challenged a neighbouring lodge to a soccer match that ended in a draw. The ambience was electrifying as old buddies were able to mingle after a long season, and new friendships were formed. A return match has been slated for the near future as the guest team enjoyed the hospitality and would like to reciprocate.
The staff have an annual tradition of creating awareness of breast cancer and donned their pink ribbons throughout October.

We have a new member of our team! Matshidiso Gaotlhobogwe has joined us as Guest Experience Manager. She comes with a wealth of experience and has been with the Wilderness family for over 10 years. Her invaluable knowledge and skills will be a great addition in enhancing guest experiences and ensuring we exceed their expectations.