Wilderness Mombo newsletter – January 2026

Here at Mombo, we are watching the water’s gentle advance with excitement, knowing it will soon influence everything, from wildlife movements to the colours, sounds, and moods of each day. That same story continues upon landing. The edges of the Mombo airstrip are already showing the subtle signs of change, with water beginning to collect in the surrounding floodplains. What was once a uniformly dry landscape now glistens after the rains, offering a sneak preview of what is to come as the Delta waters steadily make their way south.

Last week brought an unexpected and unforgettable moment to Mombo, as three unknown adult male lions moved into the area – and immediately made their presence felt. Their arrival was announced in dramatic fashion with a successful buffalo kill at Tully Tully Bridge, right on the edge of camp, and within view of the staff village.

For guests, it was one of those rare, pulse quickening encounters that define the Mombo experience: the raw power of three full maned males working together, the intensity of the hunt, and the privilege of witnessing a moment that will shape the balance of this territory in the weeks to come.

For our guides and team, the appearance of these males raises intriguing questions. Where have they come from? How long will they stay? And what changes might their presence bring to the resident prides and dominant males? As always in the Delta, nothing stands still for long.

While the month has delivered its share of dramatic predator encounters, February has also surprised us with something far more subtle. Bat-eared foxes, seldom seen in the Mombo area, have been appearing with unusual regularity over the past few weeks. Best known for their oversized ears, rare insectivorous diet, and gentle, inquisitive nature, these foxes are typically associated with drier regions, making their presence here particularly noteworthy.

Guests have been treated to glimpses of them moving quietly through open clearings, ears constantly swivelling as they listen for insects beneath the ground. Their recent prevalence may be linked to shifting conditions and seasonal changes, reminding us once again how responsive wildlife is to even the smallest environmental cues.

For those lucky enough to spot them, the experience is often a great highlight – proof that in the Delta, wonder doesn't always announce itself loudly. At Mombo, it’s unexpected moments like these, understated, and fleeting, that stay with guests long after their game drive has ended.