Wilderness Okavango Delta camps newsletters – November 2025

Circle of Life

November was another phenomenal month for game viewing at the Place of plenty. Our guests got to witness the circle of life playing out all in one day.  On their first morning drive they came across an impala that had just given birth minutes before they came on the scene. Watching the mother delicately cleaning her new born left them feeling very privileged to have come upon such a private moment. A truly heart-warming sighting that brought some to tears, even as they described it to us hours later when they got back to camp. 

The afternoon drive proved to be just as special as the morning. Shortly after leaving camp, they came across two lionesses stalking a small herd of zebra. Usually, sightings like these call for a great deal of patience.  However, this particular one was an exception, as the two females (part of the Mathata breakaway pride) had already taken up their positions. Within a few minutes of the game-viewer arriving, the chase was on, and in seconds it became clear which zebra had been singled out. As it broke away from the herd in a valiant attempt to evade its pursuers, one of the female lions closed the distance in what felt like an instant. 

And just as quickly as the chase began, it ended as she bounded onto the zebra’s back sending them both into a tumble. When the dust settled the lioness had the zebra firmly in its grasp.  The second lioness quickly joined in and they made quick work of their quarry. As it turned out, the rest of the pride (one male and four cubs) was not too far behind. One of the guests who witnessed this scene unfold noted when she got back to camp that in the twenty-plus years she has been on safaris, she has never had a day so jam-packed with activity and emotion: “… a complete sensory overload”. 

Photos by Sebonta Thekiso, AKA: Zee (Mombo Guide)

Early wake-up call

On this morning, two guests were startled out of their sleep ten minutes short of their wake-up time by a sound that they were not too familiar with… the kind of sound that prompted them to look outside. Nothing could have prepared them for the scene that was unfolding right outside their tent. They saw two male lions entangled in a whirlwind of claws and teeth.  As they were watching the two go at it, a lioness emerged from under their deck. When she caught sight of two brothers having a go at each other, she decided to get as far away from the action as fast she could.  While all of this was going on, Mark (the guest) took a moment to call the front desk and let us know what was unfolding right outside their tent. Another one for the story book at the Place of Plenty.

Prequel to Birding Big Day 2025

With the Big Birders Day set to kick off on the 6th of December, I figured I might as well get an early start and brush up on my birding this month.  As I was sitting outside my tent one morning scanning the plains through a pair of binos, I caught sight of one of my personal favourites, a Swainson’s spurfowl. I sat there paralysed with fascination watching him (given the spurs it must have been a ‘him’) diligently pecking at the ground. Given how aggressively he was going about it, he was most likely snapping up the flying termites that had descended on the camp after the previous day’s shower. As I was watching him his demeanour suddenly changed.  His head shot up and he looked behind him, almost like he had just noticed he was being watched.  When I looked up from my binos, I noticed that there was another noticeably smaller francolin coming right at him at full tilt. Upon closer inspection I realised that this was a different species, a red-billed spurfowl. Judging from the body language, he was not coming in to give him a hearty good morning.  As the smaller francolin advanced, the Swainson’s turned on its heels and took off running in the opposite direction, but the smaller bird kept closing distance with every stride. Realising that flight wasn’t going to work out for him, the Swainson’s came to an immediate halt and turned to face his pursuer. What followed was a duel that threatened to rival the clash between the two male lions that our guests got to see earlier in the week.

Photos by Wesley Hartman AKA Wes (Head of Environment & Conservation Operations)   

Mombo weather in November

Temperature: MIN: 16 degrees Celsius.  MAX: 37 degrees Celsius | Rain (Total): 45mm 

Mombo newsletter compiled by Otsile OT Kgosi

Ideal photography weather in the Vumbura Concession

Despite being known as one of the hottest months of the year, November delivered relatively moderate temperatures compared to what we all anticipated, and the average for the month was 30° C. The sun was mostly covered by cloud, and everyone welcomed the unexpected arrival of the cooler temperatures, though our guests still felt it was very hot. The lighting was just perfect for photography, with the soft golden hues, created by the early rains as the dry season transitions, making for stunning colour images.

The sun pierced through the clouds in dramatic formations, illuminating all sorts of creatures at sunrise and sunrise – it was joyful to watch. The seasonal change is subtle, but still evident, as the first rains filled crossings that were dry owing to the rate of evaporation in October; the floodplains have been filled, permanent drinking holes are topped up, and the landscape is blooming, bringing the bush to life in extraordinary ways. The permanent blanket of green carpet that’s around camp is perfectly mowed by the resident hippos. The large fever berries are showing of their green leaves and fruiting.

Wildlife & other sightings

There's just something about ‘green season’; it brings a breath of fresh air, with the elephants coming around camp during this wet season to mix up their diets as there is now fresh new grass, small plants’ roots, and reeds in the floodplains. The high water also allows them to feed on the lush aquatic vegetation. Of course, there is then the inevitable evidence all around that they have moved through the area.

Whenever there’s rain, the termites get active as they enjoy the moisture and warm temperatures – usually a day after it has stopped raining. Our bar has a tale to tell as it became the scene of a termite ‘shower’. With their termite mound situated just by the entrance to our main area, all they really needed was the light to navigate – and the basket-weave dappled lighting in the bar is just perfect. Locals collect these termites after they lose their wings and snack on them as delicacies. They can be pan fried, and also used as bait for fishing, and of course, the birds enjoy this buffet the following morning too.

A lot of new life has also been seen around as this is the season for baby animals. I was captivated by the sight of warthog piglets feeding as the mothers were also having some lunch. Lots of impala lambs are being dropping everywhere too, and the predators are having quite the time of it taking advantage of these moments. The newborns are still wobbly and trying to find their feet, so must quickly adapt to the danger zone. The impalas and other antelopes know this, so they breed in groups to mitigate the danger.

Guests met the leopard honeymoon couple – the area’s dominant male, Ralebodu, and Marang, busy making more babies. Marang already has a growing male cub that’s becoming very strong. One of our guests, who was here last year, was quite fascinated by how quickly he has grown. Three of them were also seen together in one place, which is an extremely rare sighting. 

A chunky, medium-sized black-collared barbet is a regular guest every morning. He also comes through without fail in the afternoons during high tea – perfect timing for when all the treats are out. He makes his presence known to the Front of House staff, who with very little success try to chase him away. He also has a few shyer friends that join in, namely bulbuls and Meves's starlings, whose ‘keeeeaa’ call is heard every morning. 

Staff news

We have a new Executive Chef for Vumbura Plains North – Big Man Chef Stephen. You can surely trust him as he’s no skinny chef! Welcome Stephen, you are a great addition to the team and we hope you will enjoy your new home.

Head Chef Kamogelo Masebe has transferred over to join the Duma Tau team, and we wish him well.

Mavis, who was a valuable member of the team, has left the team to pursue other avenues. Our team got together to see her off with singing and dancing. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

We welcomed back Elena, who has returned from maternity leave, and we congratulate her on the new addition to her family.

All staff are in good spirits, and made use of the quieter month to enjoy some fun activities around camp, including game drives and some fishing. The soccer pitch is in use too, as the teams prepare for our Christmas celebrations.

Vumbura Plains North Management Team

Mike – Camp GM | Khumo – Housekeeping Manger | Bame – Relief FOH Manager | Tshidi – Guest Experience Manager

 
Guiding Team

OB | Taps | Tsono | Speedy

Vumbura Plains North newsletter compiled by Michael Ramontsho

Greetings from the Santawani wilderness! The rains have brought new life to our area of the Okavango Delta, and it is buzzing with incredible sightings and magical moments. 

Wildlife highlights

As the first rains swept across the Santawani landscape, our camp transformed into a vibrant, living canvas. The waterhole right in front of our dining area has become the stage for herds of buffalo and elephants gathering in great heart-shaped clusters, their dark silhouettes mirrored in the shimmering water. Guests thoroughly enjoyed this front-row viewing of nature’s drama unfolding just metres away.

• A relaxed male leopard was seen lounging in a rain tree
• Large elephant herds visited the waterhole daily
• Over 100 avian species were recorded by visiting birders

Mokoro magic & wild encounters

This month’s mokoro excursions were nothing short of extraordinary. Gliding quietly through the floodplains, the landscape rewarded us with encounters that took even our seasoned guides by surprise. The wild dogs were especially active, greeting us along the way with their energetic play and fluid movement.

• Reaching the Gomoti River channel brought even more excitement:
• An elegant red lechwe grazing along the banks was seen
• A striking crocodile resting opposite us, perfectly camouflaged
• And the gentle, rhythmic chorus of reed frogs filled the air with their sweet melodies
• Seeing a sundog (parhelion) was a shining highlight – a rare and breathtaking moment none of us will forget, and a celestial gift that stunned everyone who witnessed it.

Guides who make the difference

We are incredibly proud of our young, vibrant guiding team. This month, Fannah and Tyson went above and beyond, sharing their deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and genuine love for the bush. Their energy elevated every safari, leaving our guests amazed and inspired.

Santawani newsletter compiled by Sandra Samunzala